WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
c Do not leave children or adults who would
normally require the support of others alone
in your vehicle. Pets should not be left alone
either. On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly fatal in-
juries to people or animals.
c Do not use the recirculation mode for long
periods as it may cause the interior air to
become stale and the windows to fog up.
Start the engine and operate the automatic
climate control system.
When the ªSTATUSº button is pushed, the
automatic climate control status screen will
appear. (See ªHOW TO USE STATUS BUTTONº
earlier in this section.) You can individually set the driver and front
passenger side temperature and air flow using
each temperature control button and manual air
flow control button. (DUAL mode)
SAA1817
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-29
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1. ªMODEº manual air flow control button(driver side)
2. Temperature control dial (driver side)
3. ªAUTOº automatic climate control ON button
4. ª
º front defroster button
5. ª
º automatic upper vent system
ON/OFF button
6. ªA/Cº air conditioner ON/OFF button
7. ª
º fan speed increase button 8. Temperature control dial (passenger side)
9. ªMODEº manual air flow control button
(passenger side)
10. ªOFFº button for climate control system
11. ª
º rear window defroster button
(See ªREAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE MIR-
ROR DEFROSTER SWITCHº in the ª2. In-
struments and controlsº section.)
12. ª
º intake air control button
13. ªDUALº zone control ON/OFF button
14. ª
º fan speed decrease button
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
Automatic operation
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating (AUTO) :
This mode may be used all year round. The
system works automatically to control the in-
side temperature, air flow distribution and fan
speed after the preferred temperature is set
manually.
1. Push the ªAUTOº button on. (The indicator on the button will illuminate and AUTO will
be displayed.)
2. Push the temperature control dial (driver side) to set the desired temperature.
Adjust the temperature to about 75ÉF (24ÉC)
for normal operation.
The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed will also be
controlled automatically.
3. You can individually set driver and frontpassenger side temperature using each
temperature control button. When the
ªDUALº button or the passenger side tem-
perature control button is pushed, the
DUAL indicator will come on.
To turn off the passenger side temperature
control, push the ªDUALº button.
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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.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see ªENGINE
COOLING SYSTEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº 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 ªBATTERYº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº 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 ªENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
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 ªTIRE
CHAINSº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section of this manual.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model
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:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC 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 ªgripº under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
c 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
5-56Starting and driving
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3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radia-
tor before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no
steam or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leak-
ing, the drive belts are missing or loose,
or the cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry
or clothing to come into contact with, or get
caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling
fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reser-
voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle
repaired at the nearest INFINITI retailer.
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). When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions
are available from an INFINITI retailer. Local
service operators are familiar with the appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental dam-
age to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your vehicle. It
is advisable to have the service operator care-
fully read the following precautions.WARNING
c
Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
c Never get under your vehicle after it has been
lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the transmis-
sion, axles, steering system and powertrain
are in working condition. If any unit is dam-
aged, dollies must be used.
c Always attach safety chains before towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
c Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed spe-
cifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer's instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Do not use the tie down hooks for towing or
vehicle recovery.
Front :
Open the hook cover on the front bumper.
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
s1
stored with jacking tools as illustrated. Attach
the tow strap to the recovery hook. Make sure
that the hook is properly secured in the original
place after use. Rear :
Do not use the tie down hook
s2to pull the
vehicle.
CAUTION
c Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.
c Do not use the vehicle tie down hooks to free
a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
down hooks.
c Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
c Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
c Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
SCE0710
6-14In case of emergency
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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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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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze
coolant solution. The antifreeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore
additional cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap when the engine is hot. Wait until
the engine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator. See precautions
in ªIF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATSº in the ª6.
In case of emergencyº section of this
manual.
c The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine dam-
age, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and
50% demineralized or distilled water. The use
of other types of coolant solutions may damage
the engine cooling system.
Outside
temperature down to Anti-freeze Demineral-
ized water
or distilled water
ÉF ÉC
230 235 50% 50%
VK45DE engine
SDI1818B
VQ35HR engine
SDI2309
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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