VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
2. Battery (P. 8-15)
3. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-9)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-10)5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-10)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
9. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)10. Drive belts (P. 8-17)
11. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-9)
SDI2262
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents
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VK50VE ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-22)
2. Battery (P. 8-15)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-10)
4. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-9)5. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-10)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
9. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)10. Drive belt location (P. 8-17)
11. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-9)
SDI2264
Illustrated table of contents0-11
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Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of
the following are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display:
●No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/lift gate open warning
See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY”
later in this section.
Preview Function warning
light (orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Brake Assist (with Preview Function) sys-
tem.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, then resume driving.
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.
Rear Active Steer warning
light (if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate that there is a malfunction
with the Rear Active Steer portion of the steer-
ing system. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
For further information about the Rear Active
Steer system, see “REAR ACTIVE STEER SYS-
TEM” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will cease but driving can
be continued.
If the light comes on while you are driving, con-
tact an INFINITI retailer for repair.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion switch is pushed to the ON position, and
will remain illuminated until the driver’s seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
will sound for about 6 seconds unless the
driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front passen-
ger will illuminate if the seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied. For 5 seconds after the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
See “SEAT BELTS” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light will illuminate. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7 seconds
if the front-impact air bag and side air bag,
curtain air bag systems and/or pretensioner
seat belt are operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain and rollover
air bag and pretensioner systems needs servic-
ing and your vehicle must be taken to your
nearest INFINITI retailer.
●
The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Instruments and controls2-17
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To push the ignition switch to the OFF position,
perform the following procedure:SHIFT “P” warning →(Move the selector lever
to “P”) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
ON) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
OFF)
8. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery
with a new one. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
9. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
10. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in the
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (E) position. There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the
tank when the fuel gauge reaches the empty (E)
position.
11. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. (See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
12. Door/lift gate open warning
(ignition switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the lift gate are open or not closed securely. The
vehicle icon indicates which door or the lift gate
is open on the display.
13. “Time to rest” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “time to
rest” indicator activates. You can set the time
for up to 6 hours. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later
in this section.)
14. Low outside temperature warning
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C). The warning can be set not
to be displayed. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in
this section.)
15. Cruise indicator
Cruise main switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed when the cruise
control main switch is pushed. When the main
switch is pushed again, the indicator disap-
pears. When the cruise control main switch
indicator is displayed, the cruise control system
is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control sys-
tem. If the indicator blinks while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the cruise control
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
See “CRUISE CONTROL” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section for details.
16. Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system MAIN switch indicator (if so
equipped)
The indicator is displayed when the Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system main switch is
pushed. When the main switch is pushed again,
the indicator disappears. While the main switch
indicator is displayed, the ICC system is opera-
tional. (See “INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL
2-24Instruments and controls
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possible. Please bring all Intelligent Keys that
you have when visiting an INFINITI retailer for
service.WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solution
may freeze on the window and obscure your
vision which may lead to an accident. Warm the
window with the defroster before you wash the
window.
CAUTION
●Do not operate the washer continuously for
more than 30 seconds.
● Do not operate the washer if the reservoir
tank is empty.
● Do not fill the window washer reservoir tank
with washer fluid concentrates at full
strength. Some methyl alcohol based
washer fluid concentrates may permanently
stain the grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir tank.
● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with wa-
ter to the manufacturer’s recommended lev-
els before pouring the fluid into the window
washer reservoir tank. Do not use the win-
dow washer reservoir tank to mix the washer
fluid concentrate and water. If the windshield wiper operation is interrupted
by snow or ice, the wiper may stop moving to
protect its motor. If this occurs, turn the wiper
switch to the OFF position and remove the snow
or ice that is on and around the wiper arms. In
approximately 1 minute, turn the switch on again
to operate the wiper.
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH
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●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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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 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” 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 “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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 prohibit 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 pat-
tern 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 reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
COLD WEATHER 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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