Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be care-
ful when braking, accelerating or downshift-
ing. Abrupt braking or accelerating could
cause the wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
c If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
brakes will not work. Braking will be harder.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than
a conventional brake booster even with light
pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking
operation and is not a collision warning or
avoidance device. It is the driver's responsibil-
ity to stay alert, drive safely and be in control of
the vehicle at all times.
PREVIEW FUNCTION (for Intelligent
Cruise Control (ICC) system equipped
models)
When the Preview Function identifies the need
to apply emergency braking by sensing a ve-
hicle ahead in the same lane and the distance
and relative speed from it, it applies the brake
pre-pressure before the driver depresses the
brake pedal and helps improve brake response
by reducing pedal free play.
c This system will not operate when the ve-
hicle is moving at approximately 20 MPH
(32 km/h) or less.
BRAKE ASSIST
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cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
c Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the transmission is shifted into the
P (Park) position.
c Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
c Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blockss1at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire to prevent the vehicle from moving when it
is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may
move and result in personal injury.
MCE0001A
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WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the charging
system and cause personal injury.
2. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
sA, position the two vehicles (sAandsB)
to bring their batteries into close proxim-
ity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
3. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec- tor lever to the P (Park) position. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
4. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
sCto reduce explo-
sion hazard. 5. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated (
s1!s2!s3!s4).
If the battery is discharged, the ignition
switch cannot be moved from the LOCK posi-
tion and, if the steering lock is engaged, the
steering wheel cannot be moved. Connect
the jumper cables to the booster vehicle
sB
before pushing the ignition switch and disen-
gaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to positive (+)
and negative ( 2) to body ground (as illus-
trated) Ð not to the battery.
c Make sure the jumper cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compartment and
that the cable clamps do not contact any
other metal.
6. Start the engine of the booster vehiclesA
and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
sAat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump
started
sB.
SCE0780
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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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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When checking the
tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If nec-
essary, adjust the pressure in all tires, includ-
ing the spare, to the pressure specified. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter components: Replace the TPMS transmit-
ter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the
tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven
or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield:
Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not
catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism: On a fairly steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without applying
any brakes.
Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down
further than normal, the pedal feels spongy or
the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see an
INFINITI retailer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs ad-
justment, see an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the
belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
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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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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
cPark 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).
c Be sure the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position when performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
c 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.
c It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
c Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle. c
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.
c 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.
c Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
c 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.
c The fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced
by an INFINITI retailer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the en-
gine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down. c
Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil, en-
gine coolant and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
c Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
c Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
This ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº 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 ªOWNER'S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATIONº in the ª9. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servic-
ing, we recommend that it be done by an INFINITI
retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
s1.
If the oil level is below
s2, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
s3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil mainte-
nance intervals or during the break-in period,
depending on the severity of operating condi-
tions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Operat-
ing the engine with an insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such damage is
not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Change the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide.
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
cPlace the safety jack stands under the
vehicle jack-up points.
c A suitable adapter should be attached to
the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the undercover in place.
VK45DE engine
SDI1822
VQ35HR engine
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
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