CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the
LOCK position and wait 10 seconds before try-
ing again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
s4!s3!s2!s1).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover and the engine compartment cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.
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 & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
CAUTION
c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
c Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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For information about towing your vehicle be-
hind a recreational vehicle (RV), see ªFLAT
TOWINGº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section of this manual.
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 & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illus-
trated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission models
with the rear wheels on the ground or four
wheels on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised, always use towing dollies under the
rear wheels.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
SCE0561
6-12In case of emergency
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cWhen towing rear wheel drive models with
the front wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies: Push the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure the
steering wheel by selecting the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the
vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow AWD models with any of the wheels
on the ground as this may cause serious and
expensive damage to the powertrain.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
SCE0488
In case of emergency6-13
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
If replacement is required, see an INFINITI re-
tailer for servicing.
Platinum-tipped spark plugs (for
VK45DE engine model)
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance log shown in
the ªINFINITI Service and Maintenance Guideº.
Do not reuse the spark plugs by cleaning or
regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recommended
or equivalent ones.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs (for
VQ35HR engine model)
It is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much
longer. Follow the maintenance schedule in
ªINFINITI Service and Maintenance Guideº, but
do not reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recommended
or equivalent ones.Remove the retainers
s1as illustrated and pull
out the filter element
s2.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte-
SDI2020
VQ35HR engine
SDI2033
AIR CLEANER
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
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Tire and Loading Information label
s1Seating capacity: The maximum num-ber of occupants that can be seated
in the vehicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See ªVEHICLE
LOADING INFORMATIONº in the ª9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tionº section.
s3Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.
s4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to this pressure when the tires are cold.
Tires are considered COLD after the
vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) at moderate speeds. The
recommended cold tire inflation is
set by the manufacturer to provide
the best balance of tire wear, vehicle
handling, driveability, tire noise,
etc., up to the vehicle's GVWR.
s5Tire size Ð see ªTIRE LABELINGº later
in this section.
s6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
SDI2340
8-36Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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white lettering or bears manufacturer,
brand and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the same mold-
ing on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(2) the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular
side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
cWhen changing or replacing tires, be sure all
four tires are of the same type (Example:
Summer, All Season or Snow) and construc-
tion. An INFINITI retailer may be able to help
you with information about tire type, size,
speed rating and availability.
c Replacement tires may have a lower speed
rating than the factory equipped tires, and
may not match the potential maximum ve-
hicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
c Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS. c
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side-
wall. Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropriate in
some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating to
the original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels.
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 capa-
bilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Failure to do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential gears.
c ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD
model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact an INFINITI retailer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the
wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical
damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
c Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
c Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c
INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
WARNING
cThe TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should
be used for emergency use. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at the first op-
portunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
c Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
c Periodically check spare tire inflation pres-
sure. Always keep the pressure of the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi
(420 kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep the pressure
of the full size spare tire (if so equipped) at
the recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can result
in severe transmission damage.
c Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always
tow forward, never backward.
c DO NOT tow any automatic transmission ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication.
c DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) ve-
hicle with any of the wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
c For emergency towing procedures refer to
ªTOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITIº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section of this
manual.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly
MUST be placed under the towed vehicle's drive
wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer's
recommendations when using their product. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
FLAT TOWING
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-19
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