VQ35DE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-25)
2. Battery (P.8-16)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-10)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (MT models)
(P.8-15)
6. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
7. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
8. Window washer fluid reservoir
(P.8-15)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
10. Drive belts (P.8-19)
11. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
12. Air cleaner (P.8-20)
SSI0160ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-12 Illustrated table of contents
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All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light (AWD
models) Low tire pressure warning light Cruise set switch indicator light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light Low washer fluid warning light Front passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning
light P position selecting warning light (for
Intelligent Key system) High beam indicator light (Blue)
or Brake warning light Rear Active Steer (RAS) warning light (if
so equipped) Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning light Seat belt warning light Slip indicator light
Door open warning light Supplemental air bag warning light Snow mode indicator light (if so
equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning light Automatic transmission position indicator
light Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Intelligent Key warning light (for Intelli-
gent Key system) Cruise main switch indicator light Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indica-
tor light
Low fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS Apply the parking brake and turn the igni-
tion key to ON without starting the en-
gine. The following lights will come on:
, or , , ,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
, or , , , , , , ,
If any light fails to come on, it may indi-
cate a burned-out bulb or an open circuit
in the electrical system. Have the system
repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
All-wheel drive (AWD)
warning light (AWD models) The light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon
after the engine is started.WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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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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Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking brake not ap-
plied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ªBrake fluidº
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have
the warning system checked by an
INFINITI dealer.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and
the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both
the brake warning light and the anti-lock
brake system warning light illuminate, it
may indicate the anti-lock brake system is
not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked by an INFINITI dealer. See
ªAnti-lock brake warning lightº earlier in
this section. WARNING O Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you judge
it to be safe, drive carefully to the
nearest service station for repairs. Oth-
erwise, have your vehicle towed because
driving it could be dangerous.
O Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or a low brake fluid level
may increase your stopping distance
and braking will require greater pedal ef-
fort as well as pedal travel.
O If the brake fluid level is below the MINI-
MUM or MIN mark on the brake fluid res-
ervoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked by an INFINITI
dealer.
Charge warning light If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not functioning properly. Turn
the engine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing
or if the light remains on, see an INFINITI
dealer immediately.
CAUTION Do not continue driving if the generator belt
is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light This light comes on when any of the
doors are not closed securely while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light This light warns of low engine oil pres-
sure. If the light flickers or comes on dur-
ing normal driving, pull off the road in a
safe area, stop the engine immediately
and call an INFINITI dealer or other autho-
rized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. See
ªEngine oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section.
Instruments and controls
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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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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Maintenance requirements ............................... 8-2
General maintenance........................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance
items .......................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................. 8-5
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-7
Engine cooling system ..................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level..................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant............................. 8-9
Engine oil ....................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-11
Automatic transmission fluid........................... 8-13
Power steering fluid ........................................ 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid..................................... 8-14
Brake fluid................................................. 8-14
Clutch fluid ............................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-15
Battery ............................................................ 8-16
Jump starting ............................................. 8-18
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-19
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ............................... 8-20 Air cleaner...................................................... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................. 8-21
Cleaning .................................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................................. 8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal....................... 8-23
Checking parking brake............................. 8-23
Checking brake pedal................................ 8-23
Brake booster ........................................... 8-24
Fuses .............................................................. 8-25
Engine compartment.................................. 8-25
Passenger compartment ............................ 8-27
Keyfob battery replacement ............................ 8-28
Keyfob (except Intelligent Key) .................. 8-28
Intelligent Key ........................................... 8-29
Lights.............................................................. 8-31
Headlights................................................. 8-33
Exterior and interior lights......................... 8-33
Wheels and tires ............................................ 8-37
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-37
Tire labeling .............................................. 8-41
Types of tires ............................................ 8-43
Tire chains ................................................ 8-44
Changing wheels and tires ........................ 8-45
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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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there is a smell of exhaust fumes, imme-
diately locate the trouble and correct it.
See ªPrecautions when starting and
drivingº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section for exhaust gas (Carbon mon-
oxide).
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after
the vehicle has been parked for a while.
Water dripping from the air conditioner
after use is normal. If you should notice
any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evi-
dent, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines
for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, deterioration or loose connec-
tions.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control
dust. It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and
around the exhaust system. At the end of
winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being
careful to clean those areas where mud
and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see ªCleaning exteriorº in
the ª7. Appearance and careº section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance 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.
WARNING O Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. For a manual transmission,
move the shift lever to N (Neutral) posi-
tion. For an automatic transmission
models, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
O Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
O If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
O It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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