VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-19)
2. Battery (P. 8-13)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)5. Clutch fluid reservoir
(Manual Transmission models) (P. 8-11)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
8. Air cleaner (P. 8-17) 9. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-7)
10. Drive belts location (P. 8-15)
11. Engine Coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
12. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
SSI0345
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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04/28/10—pattie
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/trunk open warning
● Loose fuel cap warning (if so equipped)
● Check tire pressure warning (if so equipped)
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) 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.
Seat belt warning light
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 supplemental front air bag and supple-
mental side air bag, curtain side-impact air bag
systems and/or pretensioner seat belt are op-
erational. If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and
pretensioner systems needs servicing 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.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint systems and/or the pretensioners may
not function properly.
For additional information, see “SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is on,
it could mean that the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag systems and/or preten-
sioner systems will not operate in an accident.
To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have
your vehicle checked by a retailer as soon as
possible.
2-12Instruments and controls
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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. Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models)
This indicator means that the engine will start
by pushing the ignition switch with the clutch
pedal depressed.
10. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
11. 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.
12. 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.)
13. Door/trunk open warning (ignition
switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the trunk lid are open or not closed securely.
The vehicle icon indicates which door or the
trunk lid is open on the display.
14. Loose fuel cap warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has
been refueled. (SeeFUEL-FILLER DOORin the
3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments sec-
tion.)
15. Check tire pressure warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates to
indicate the low tire pressure. If this warning
appears, stop the vehicle and adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres- sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. (See
Low tire pressure warning light
earlier in this section and TIRE PRESSURE
WARNING SYSTEM (TPMS) in the5. Starting
and driving section.)
16. “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.)
17. 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.)
18. 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.
Instruments and controls2-19
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WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solution
may freeze on the windshield and obscure your
vision which may lead to an accident. Warm
windshield with the defroster before you wash
the windshield.
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. The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
1Intermittent — intermittent operation
Type A: The intermittent operation can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
A
(Slower) orB(Faster).When the speed sensing wiper interval func-
tion is turned on, the intermittent operation
speed varies in accordance with the vehicle
speed. (For example, when the vehicle speed
is high, the intermittent operation speed will
be faster.) To turn this function on and off,
see “HOW TO USE SETTING BUTTON” in the
“4. Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice
recognition systems” section.
Type B: For models with the rain-sensing
auto wiper system, see “RAIN-SENSING
AUTO WIPER SYSTEM” later in this section.
2Low — continuous low speed operation
3High — continuous high speed operation
Push the lever up
4to have one sweep
operation of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
5to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
Type A
SIC3238
Type B
SIC4281
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH
2-28Instruments and controls
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NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position. ●
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.
● 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. Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
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.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion. Depress the clutch pedal fully to the
floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried when op-
erating the ignition switch.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
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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.
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. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery 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 steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-52Starting 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
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................. 8-11
Brake fluid ................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-15Variable voltage control system
...................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-15
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-17
Cleaning ...................................... 8-17
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-19
Engine compartment ........................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-21
Lights ........................................... 8-23
Headlights .................................... 8-24
Exterior
and interior lights ..................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-26
Tire pressure .................................. 8-26
Tire labeling .................................. 8-29
Types of tires ................................. 8-31
Tire chains ................................... 8-32
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-32
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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 washers 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 and clutch fluid levels*: 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 belt*: Make sure that the drive belt
is not frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level*:
Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface 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 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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