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
depressed.
To move the selector lever, apply the parking
brake, depress the brake pedal, and push the
shift lock release button. The selector lever
can be moved to N (Neutral). This allows the
vehicle to be moved if the battery is dis-
charged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park),
have your INFINITI retailer check the auto- matic transmission system as soon as pos-
sible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Shifting To change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.SSD0298 SSD0287
5-12 Starting and driving
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see ªEngine Cool-
ing Systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº 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 ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain plug located under the radiator.
Refill before operating the vehicle. See ªEn-
gine cooling systemº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº
section for changing engine coolant. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design 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.
Please consult your INFINITI retailer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling 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.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are in- stalled according to the chain manufactur-
er's suggestions. Use only SAE Class S
chains. Class ªSº chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class ªSº
chains are designed to meet the SAE stan-
dard minimum clearances between the tire
and the closest vehicle suspension or body
component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are
determined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your ve-
hicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items beCOLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
5-23
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Every new INFINITI comes with a 4 year,
unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance plan.
In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside assistance
information booklet (Canada) for details. Both
the Warranty Booklet and Roadside
Assistance Calling Card in your Owner's
Literature Portfolio provide the Toll-Free
Number to call for assistance. Roadside
Assistance is provided 24 hours a day, 365
days a year, for 4 years from the date sold to
give emergency roadside help, in the event of
mechanical or nonmechanical trouble(s) such
as flat tires, out-of-gas, dead battery, lost
keys, mechanical breakdown, accident, etc. CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse) position (automatic
transmission in P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING O Make sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re- verse), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).
O Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
O Never change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
6-2 In case of emergency
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Stowing the damaged tire and tools Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNINGO Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
O The T-type spare tire and small size spare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See ªWheels and tiresº in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
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 & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada). To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING O If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
O Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery.
O Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. 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 con-
tacted area with water.
O Keep battery out of the reach of
children.SCE0384A SCE0425
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
6-7
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O The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
O Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
O Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
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 & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada).
WARNING Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position (On automatic
transmission models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated. SCE0426
6-8 In case of emergency
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CAUTIONO Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. Ð not to the battery).
O Make sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let
it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in
the normal manner.
CAUTIONDo not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again. 7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid. Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION O Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.
O Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
O Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
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 & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada).PUSH STARTING
In case of emergency
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8 Do-it-yourself Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level ..................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil and filter .............................. 8-8
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-11
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-14
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-15
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-16
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-16
Replacing............................................................ 8-17 Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-18
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-18
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-18
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-19
Fuses....................................................................... 8-20
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-21
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-21
Lights ....................................................................... 8-23
Headlights........................................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-26
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-30
Types of tires...................................................... 8-30
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNINGO Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
O Be sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
O If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
O It is advised to secure or remove any loose clothing and any jewelry, such
as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
O Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
O If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
O Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
O Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
O On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an INFINITI retailer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off. CAUTION O Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
O Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
O Never leave any engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
ness connector disconnected while
the ignition key is on.
O Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is alsoMAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2 Do-it-yourself
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