Low brake fluid warning light :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid isnecessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by your INFINITI retailer. (See
“BRAKE FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning indica-
tor :
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working prop-
erly 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. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the minimum
or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate 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 retailer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Distance Control Assist (DCA) system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and turn on the DCA
system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system or the
warning light stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still driveable under normal conditions, have
the vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engine immediately and call an INFINITI retailer
or other authorized repair shop.
2-14Instruments and controls
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The engine oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dip-
stick to check the oil level.(See “ENGINE OIL” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause serious dam-
age to the engine almost immediately. Such
damage is not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Intelligent Key warning light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 sec-
onds and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
electrical steering lock system or the Intelligent
Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to free the
steering lock or to start the engine. If the light
comes on while the engine is running, you can
drive the vehicle. However in these cases, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer for repair as soon as
possible.
Lane departure warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light will come on in orange, turn
green, and then turn off. This indicates that the
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Depar-
ture Prevention (LDP) systems are operational.
While the LDW and/or LDP system is on, the
light will blink in orange and a warning chime
will sound if the vehicle is traveling close to
either the left or the right of a traveling lane
with detectable lane markers. If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the LDW and LDP systems
are not functioning properly. Although the ve-
hicle is still driveable, have the systems
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM/LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION (LDP)
SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is pushed ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning :
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate. If
you select the tire pressure information in the
display, the LOW PRESSURE information will be
displayed. The tire pressure for each tire will
also be displayed.
Instruments and controls2-15
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08/03/09—tbrooks
being calculated, based on the amount of fuel
in the fuel tank and the actual fuel consump-
tion.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature. If the fuel level is low, the warning is
displayed on the screen.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the dte
display will change to “——”.
●If the amount of fuel added is small, the
display just before the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position may continue to
be displayed.
● When driving uphill or rounding curves, the
fuel in the tank shifts, which may momen-
tarily change the display.
5. Outside air temperature (ICY — °F
or °C)
The outside air temperature is displayed in °F or
°C in the range of 22 to 131°F (30 to 55°C).
The outside air temperature mode includes a
low temperature warning feature. If the outside
air temperature is below 37°F (3°C), the warning
is displayed on the screen.
The outside temperature sensor is located in
front of the radiator. The sensor may be affected by road or engine heat, wind directions and
other driving conditions. The display may differ
from the actual outside temperature or the
temperature displayed on various signs or bill-
boards.
6. Setting
Setting cannot be made while driving. A mes-
sage “Setting can only be operated when
stopped” is also displayed on the dot matrix
crystal display.
The
switchAandswitchBare
used in the setting mode to select and decide a
menu.
SKIP :
Push the
switchAto move to the
warning check mode.
Push the
switchBto select other
menus.
ALERT :
There are 3 submenus under the alert menu.
● BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode. ●
REST
Select this submenu to specify when the
“REST” indicator activates.
● ICY
Select this submenu to display the low out-
side temperature warning.
MAINTENANCE :
There are 5 submenus under the maintenance
menu.
● BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● ENGINE OIL
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for changing the engine oil.
● OIL FILTER
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing the oil filter.
● TIRE
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing tires.
● OTHER
Select this submenu and set or reset the
distance for replacing items other than the
engine oil, oil filter and tires.
2-28Instruments and controls
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The rain sensor sensitivity level can be adjusted
by turning the knob toward the front
2(High)
or toward the rear
3(Low).
● High — High sensitive operation
● Low — Low sensitive operation
To turn the rain-sensing auto wiper system off,
push up the lever to the OFF position, or pull
down the lever to the LO or HI position.
CAUTION
Do not touch the rain sensor and around it when
the wiper switch is in the INT position and the
ignition switch is in the ON position. The wipers
may operate unexpectedly and cause to an in-
jury or a wiper damage.
● The rain-sensing auto wipers are intended for
use during rain. If the switch is left in the INT
position, the wipers may operate unexpect-
edly when dirt, fingerprints, oil film or insects
are stuck on or around the sensor. The wipers
may also operate when exhaust gas or mois-
ture affect the rain sensor.
● The rain-sensing auto wipers may not oper-
ate if rain does not hit the rain sensor even if
it is raining.
REAR WINDOW WIPER AND WASHER
OPERATION
If the rear window wiper operation is interrupted
by snow etc., the wiper may stop moving to pro-
tect its motor. If this occurs, turn the wiper
switch to OFF and remove the snow etc. on and
around the wiper arms. After about 1 minute,
turn the switch ON again to operate the wiper.
The rear window wiper and washer operate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position. Turn the switch clockwise from the OFF position
to operate the wiper.
1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation
(not adjustable)
2Low (ON) — continuous low speed operation
Push the switch forward
3to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
SIC3627
2-34Instruments and controls
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07/30/09—pattie
●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head
restraints/headrests.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal
by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button igni-
tion switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start,
push the ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise the
starter could be damaged.
4. Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather. In cold weather, keep the
engine running for a minimum of 2 - 3
minutes before shutting it off. Starting and
stopping the engine over a short period of
time may make the vehicle more difficult to
start.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever
to the P (Park) position and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-12Starting and driving
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-6
Vk50ve engine ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ....................... 8-10
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 fluid ...................................... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-17Drive belts
....................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-20
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent
Key battery replacement ................8-23
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-26
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
Tire pressure .................................. 8-28
Tire labeling .................................. 8-32
Types of tires ................................. 8-34
Tire chains ................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-36
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08/03/09—pattie
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air comes
out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating 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 vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is 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 spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 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 there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
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
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine 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, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody:
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise 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
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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08/03/09—pattie
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 gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. Move
the selector lever to P (Park).
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
● Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
● 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. ●
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
● 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.
● Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported only by a jack. If it is necessary to
work under the vehicle, support it with
safety stands.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
● Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
key is in the OFF position and the engine is
not running. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel filter or
fuel lines should be serviced by an INFINITI
retailer because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down.
● Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also avail-
able. (See “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, we recommend that it be done by an
INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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