ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
c Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
± When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
± When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªTIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABELº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section of this
manual. ± For detailed information, see ªWHEELS
AND TIRESº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Starting and driving5-53
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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
VK45DE engine ................................. 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-11
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-11
Engine oil ....................................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ......................8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-15
5-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
7-speed automatic transmission ................8-15
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-16
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-16
Brake fluid ................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-17
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-19Variable voltage control system (if so equipped)
....8-19
Drive belts ....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-21
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-22
Cleaning ...................................... 8-22
Replacing ..................................... 8-23
Brakes .......................................... 8-24
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warnings ......................8-24
Fuses ........................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-27
Battery replacement .............................. 8-28
Intelligent Key ................................ 8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-32
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling .................................. 8-38
Types of tires ................................. 8-40
Tire chains ................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-41
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Steering wheel:Check for changes in the steer-
ing conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
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 the drive
belts are 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 10 or 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
ªPRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVINGº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº 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
ªCLEANING EXTERIORº in the ª7. Appearance
and careº section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drainplug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
s1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of properly.
c Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine oil
filter change is needed.
4. Loosen the oil filters2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket re-
maining on the mounting surface of the engine.
Failure to do so could lead to engine failure.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten ad-
ditionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N´m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N´m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to pre-
vent oil spillage from the dipstick hole while
filling the engine with oil.
See ªCAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTSº in the ª9. Technical and
consumer informationº section for drain and refill capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine the proper
amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionas the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the un- dercover in place. Be careful not to strip
the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Some vehicles are equipped with engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes that use only type
sAfuses. Other ve-
hicles are equipped with type
sAfuses in the
engine compartment fuse box and type
sB
fuses in the passenger compartment fuse box.
Type
sAfuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type
sAfuses can be installed in the engine
compartment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes. If a type
sAfuse is used to replace a typesB
fuse, the typesAfuse will not be level with the
fuse pocket as shown in the illustration. This
will not affect the performance of the fuse.
Make sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box
securely.
Type
sBfuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type
sAfuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse box cover.
This could damage the electrical system or
cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed to the LOCK position and the headlight
switch is turned off.
SDI1751SDI1752SDI1479A
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
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cIf a methanol blend is used, it should contain
no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol,
wood alcohol). It should also contain a suit-
able amount of appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure that all
methanol blends are suitable for use in
INFINITI vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint
damage.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispens-
ing pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for
gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower than recommended can cause persistent,
heavy ªspark knockº. (Spark knock is a metallic
rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level roads,
have an INFINITI retailer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which INFINITI is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerating
or driving up hills. This is not a cause for con-
cern, because you get the greatest fuel benefit
when there is light spark knock for a short time
under heavy engine load.
CAUTION
c
Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifi-
cally designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel
system components and is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
c E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
c U.S. government regulations require ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified by a
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
Technical and consumer information9-5
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A vehicle equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
should never be tested using a two wheel
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used
by some states for emissions testing), or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/ areas
or provinces, your vehicle may be required to be
in what is called the ªready conditionº for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ªready conditionº when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ªready conditionº can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a ªnot ready conditionº. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle's
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/Mtest condition is ªnot readyº. If the MIL does not
blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
ªreadyº.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a ªnot
readyº condition, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ªready conditionº. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, an INFINITI re-
tailer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and prudent
manner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle
until the engine coolant temperature
gauge needle points between the C and H
(normal operating temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 9 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine run- ning. 5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission selector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-22Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-53
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .....2-31
Advanced air bag system ...........1-45
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting system
(AFS) .......................2-31
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-45
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-47
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-50
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-50
Air bag warning labels .............1-52
Air bag warning light ..........1-53 , 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-33
Air conditioner specification label ....9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .......4-33
Automatic climate control ........4-29
In-cabin microfilter ............4-33
Operation (See automatic climate
control) ................... 4-29
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ................2-25
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) .............5-47 All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light
.....2-13
Ambient temperature, Air conditioner . . . .4-32
Antenna .....................4-61
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-53
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light .......................2-13
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest ......................1-11
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and
ashtrays) ....................2-39
Audible reminders ...............2-20
Audio control rear switch ...........4-60
Audio operation precautions .........4-34
Audio system ..................4-34
Audio system, Steering wheel
audio controls .................4-58
Audion system, Hard-disk drive audio system
(Music Box) ...................4-50
Autolight system ................2-30
Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-15
Climate control .............. 4-29
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-11
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-26
Automatic seat positioner ...........3-26
AUX button ...................4-21
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5 B
Battery ......................8-17
Battery Battery saver system ............2-31
Keyfob battery replacement .......8-28
Variable voltage control system .....8-19
Battery, Battery replacement, Intelligent
Key .......................8-28
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-19
BluetoothT Hands-Free Phone System
(with navigation system) ...........4-74
BluetoothT Hands-Free Phone System
(without navigation system) .........4-84
Booster seats ..................1-35
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-53
Brake fluid ................. 8-16
Brake system ............... 5-49
Parking brake operation .........5-16
Brake warning light ..............2-14
Break-in schedule ...............5-46
Brightness control and display ON/OFF
button .......................4-7
Brightness control, Instrument panel . . . .2-32
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-13
Bulb replacement ...............8-30
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