VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-21)
2. Battery (P. 8-14)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmis-
sion models) (P. 8-13)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
8. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)
9. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-8) 10. Drive belts (P. 8-17)
11. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
12. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ37VHR engine
model) (P. 8-9)
13. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ25HR engine model) (P. 8-9)
SDI2709
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents0-13
WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
warning light (AWD models)
(if so equipped)
Thewarning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the AWD system malfunctions, or the diam-
eter of the front and the rear wheels are differ-
ent, the warning light will either remain illumi-
nated or blink. (See “ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section.)
CAUTION
● If the warning light comes on while driving
there may be a malfunction in the AWD sys-
tem. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
● If the AWD warning light blinks on when you
are driving:
– blinks rapidly (about twice a second): Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. The driving mode will change to
2WD to prevent the AWD system from
malfunctioning. If the warning light turns
off, you can drive again. – blinks slowly (about once every 2 sec-
onds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the
same, tire pressure is correct and tires are
not worn.
● If the warning light is still on after the above
operations, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indi-
cates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the transmission is not functioning
properly. Have your INFINITI retailer check and
repair the transmission.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake fluid is
necessary, add fluid and have the system
checked by your INFINITI retailer. (See
“BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
Instruments and controls2-11
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have thewarning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning indica-
tor :
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working prop-
erly if the warning light is on. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive
carefully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel. ●
If the brake fluid level is below the minimum
or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an INFINITI retailer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engine immediately and call an INFINITI retailer
or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dip- stick to check the oil level.
(See “ENGINE OIL” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause serious dam-
age to the engine almost immediately. Such
damage is not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
2-12Instruments and controls
●If the light illuminates while driving, avoid
sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to
a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Driving with under-inflated tires
may permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may lead to
an accident and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the rec-
ommended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving after ad-
justing the tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after the 1 minute. Contact your
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.CAUTION
●The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular
tire pressure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS may not
operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of tires to
the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of
the following are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display:
● No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/trunk open warning
● Loose fuel cap warning
● Check tire pressure warning
See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY”
later in this section.
Preview Function warning
light (orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Brake Assist (with Preview Function) sys-
tem.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion switch is pushed to the ON position, and
will remain illuminated until the driver’s seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
will sound for about 6 seconds unless the
driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front passen-
ger will illuminate if the seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied.
For approximately 5 seconds after the ignition
2-14Instruments and controls
SHIFT “P” warning→(Move the selector lever
to “P”) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
ON) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
OFF)
8. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery
with a new one. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
9. Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models)
This indicator means that the engine will start
by pushing the ignition switch with the clutch
pedal depressed.
10. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
11. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in the
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (E) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the
tank when the fuel gauge reaches the empty (E)
position.
12. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. (See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
13. Door/trunk open warning (ignition
switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the trunk lid are open or not closed securely.
The vehicle icon indicates which door or the
trunk lid is open on the display.
14. Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has
been refueled. (See “FUEL-FILLER DOOR” in the
“3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion.)
15. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates to
indicate the low tire pressure. If this warning
appears, stop the vehicle and adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. (See “Low tire pressure warning light”
earlier in this section and “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.)
16. “Time to rest” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “time to
rest” indicator activates. You can set the time
for up to 6 hours. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later
in this section.)
17. Low outside temperature warning
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C). The warning can be set not
to be displayed. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in
this section.)
18. Cruise indicator
Cruise main switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed when the cruise
control main switch is pushed. When the main
switch is pushed again, the indicator disap-
Instruments and controls2-21
NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) posi-
tion. Depress the clutch pedal fully to the
floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried when op-
erating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Depress the brake pedal (AT model)
or the clutch pedal (MT model) and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal or clutch pedal (MT model)
with the ignition switch in any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and while hold-
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
●The 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.
● 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 “TIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABEL” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this
manual. – For detailed information, see “WHEELS
AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” 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 “clunk” 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
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 ................ 8-7
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR engine ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ......................8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ..................8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-12
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ............................ 8-13
Brake fluid ................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-13
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14Battery
.......................................... 8-14
Coupe ........................................ 8-14
Sedan and coupe ............................. 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-16
Drive belts ....................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent Key
battery replacement ................8-24