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.
For all-wheel drive
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:
●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.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-56Starting and driving
In the event of a roadside emergency, Roadside
Assistance Service is available to you. Please
refer to your Warranty Information Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation Booklet (Canada) for details.To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving, perform the following procedure:
●
Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times, or
● Push and hold the push-button ignition for
more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit and the
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning appears on the
dot matrix liquid crystal display, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure,
the TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the
low tire pressure warning light. This system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For more
details, see “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section and “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFFFLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, 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 increase the likelihood
of tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the light still illumi-
nates while driving after adjusting 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 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting. ●
Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● 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 (Automatic transmis-
sion models). Move the shift lever to the R
(Reverse) gear (Manual transmission
models).
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
●Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the manual transmission is shifted
into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmis-
sion into P (Park).
● Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
In case of emergency6-3
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 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
●
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 powertrain
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 emergency6-11
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
Your new INFINITI has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
INFINITI’s fine mechanical condition, as well as
its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your INFINITI at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation. They are essential for propervehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your ve-
hicle appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by an INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-retailership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehicles
beforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retailer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle — in a reliable and economical way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have an
INFINITI retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS” later
in this section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following items
with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
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 no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 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
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” 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
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmis-
sion models)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Radiator filler cap 10. Drive belts
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ37VHR engine
model)
13. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ25HR engine model)
SDI2709
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7