WARNING
●The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
● 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.
● 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 “STATUS” button is pushed, the
automatic climate control status screen will
appear. (See “HOW TO USE STATUS BUTTON”
earlier in this section.) You can individually set the driver and front
passenger side temperature using each tem-
perature control button.
Models with navigation system
SAA2723
Models without navigation system
SAA1520
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-29
1. “AUTO” automatic climate control ONbutton/Temperature control dial (driver
side)
2. “A/C” air conditioner ON/OFF button
3. “
” fan speed increase button
4. “
” front defroster button
5. “MODE” manual air flow control button
6.
“DUAL” zone control ON/OFF button/
Temperature control dial (passenger side)
7. “OFF” button for climate control system
8. “
” fan speed decrease button 9. “
” rear window defroster button
(See “REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE MIR-
ROR DEFROSTER SWITCH” in the “2. In-
struments and controls” section.)
10. “
” intake air control button
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL (Type A)
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 “AUTO” button on. (The indicator
on the button will illuminate and AUTO will
be displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial (driver side) to set the desired temperature.
●The temperature can be set within the
following range.
– For U.S.: 60 to 90°F (16 to 32°C)
– For Canada: 64 to 90°F (18 to 32°C)
● The temperature of the passenger com-
partment will be maintained automati-
cally. Air flow distribution and fan speed
will also be controlled automatically.
3. You can individually set driver and front passenger side temperature using each
temperature control button. When the
“DUAL” button is pushed or the passen-
ger side temperature control button is
turned, the DUAL indicator will come on.
To turn off the passenger side tempera-
ture control, push the “DUAL” button.
Type A
SAA1527
4-30Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL (Type B)
Automatic operation (AUTO)
The AUTO mode may be used year-round as the
system automatically controls constant tem-
perature, air flow distribution and fan speed
after the desired temperature is set manually.
To turn off the heater and air conditioner, push
the “OFF” button.
Cooling and dehumidified heating:
1. Push the “AUTO” button.
(The AUTO indicator light will illuminate
and “AUTO” will appear on the display.)
2. If the A/C indicator light does not illumi- nate, push the “A/C” button.
(The A/C indicator light will illuminate.)
3. Turn the temperature control dial (driver’s side) to set the desired temperature.
●The temperature can be set within the
following range.
– For U.S.: 60 to 90°F (16 to 32°C)
– For Canada: 64 to 90°F (18 to 32°C) ●
When the DUAL indicator light is turned
off:
– Pushing the driver’s side “AUTO” but- ton changes both the driver’s and front
passenger’s side temperature.
– Pushing the passenger’s side “DUAL” button changes only the front passen-
ger’s side temperature. (The DUAL indi-
cator light will illuminate and “DUAL”
will appear on the display.)
● To set separate desired temperatures for
the driver and front passenger, push the
“DUAL” button, the indicator light illumi-
nates, and then turn the corresponding
temperature control dial.
● To cancel the separate temperature set-
ting, push the “DUAL” button, the indica-
tor light turns off, and the driver’s side
temperature setting will be applied to
both the driver’s and front passenger’s
sides.
A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air is
cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a mal-
function. Heating (A/C off):
1. Push the “AUTO” button.
(The AUTO indicator light will illuminate
and “AUTO” will appear on the display.)
2. If the A/C indicator light illuminates, push the “A/C” button.
(The A/C indicator light will turn off.)
3. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired temperature.
●When the DUAL indicator light is turned
off:
– Pushing the driver’s side “AUTO” but- ton changes both the driver’s and front
passenger’s side temperature.
– Pushing the passenger’s side “DUAL” button changes only the front passen-
ger’s side temperature. (The DUAL indi-
cator light will illuminate and “DUAL”
will appear on the display.)
● To set separate desired temperatures for
the driver and front passenger, push the
“DUAL” button, the indicator light illumi-
nates, and then turn the corresponding
temperature control dial.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-33
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.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” 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 “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” 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 “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
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 “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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-54Starting and driving
3. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all thewindows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
7. Visually check the drive belt for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking 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.
8. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reser-
voir if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired 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
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has been
lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the transmis-
sion, axles, steering system and drivetrain
are in working condition. If any unit is dam-
aged, dollies must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-17
Rear :
Do not use the tie down hook
2for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
● 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.
● Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
● Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks. ●
Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
● Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
● Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
●Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) (automatic transmission
models) or 1st and R (Reverse) (manual
transmission models). ●
Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R (Reverse) and D (Drive)
(automatic transmission models) or 1st
and R (Reverse) (manual transmission
models).
● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
Rear
SCE0894
In case of emergency6-21
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 ............................ 8-12
Brake fluid ................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-15Variable voltage control system
...................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ...................................... 8-18
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-22
Lights ........................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Exterior
and interior lights ..................... 8-25
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-27
Tire pressure .................................. 8-27
Tire labeling .................................. 8-30
Types of tires ................................. 8-32
Tire chains ................................... 8-32
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-33
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precautions
which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brake securely and block the wheels
to prevent the vehicle from moving. For
manual transmission models, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral). For automatic transmis-
sion models, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any parts
replacement or repairs.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery or
any transistorized component while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
● Never leave the engine or automatic trans-
mission related component harnesses dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
● 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. ●
It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before working on your
vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
● 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.
● 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.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel tank and the battery.
● 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.
● 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
● Do not work under the hood while the engine
is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down.
● Avoid direct contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids can dam-
age the environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” 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 “OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section.)
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage. If in doubt about any
servicing, we recommend that it be done by an
INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5