●Use the towing hook only to free a vehicle
stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the
vehicle for a long distance using only the
towing hook.
● The towing hook is under tremendous force
when used to free a stuck vehicle. Never pull
the hook at an angle.
● Always pull the cable straight out from the
front or rear of the vehicle.
● 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).
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
● 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.
6-18In case of emergency
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
Vk56vd engine model ........................... 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Brake fluid ................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-16
Drive belts ....................................... 8-17Spark plugs
..................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-19
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-20
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-20
Brake booster ................................. 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-24
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Exterior
and interior lights ..................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-29
Tire pressure .................................. 8-29
Tire labeling .................................. 8-33
Types of tires ................................. 8-35
Tire chains ................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-36
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.
Tire, 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 “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (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 periodic 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) mechanism: On
a fairly steep hill, check that your 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-
justed, see an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing 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/headrests 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes -The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic
line running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes
are activated by the trailer pushing against the
hitch ball when the tow vehicle is braking.
Hydraulic surge brakes are common on rental
trailers and some boat trailers. In this type of
system, there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking systems
are activated by an electronic signal sent from a
trailer brake controller (special brake sensing
module).
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake func-
tion testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system directly to
the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
● Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
● Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turn-
ing, stopping and backing up in an area which
is free from traffic. Steering stability, and brak-
ing performance will be somewhat different
than under normal driving conditions.
● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Technical and consumer information9-25
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission dam-
age could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the down-hill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer
are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descending
a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness and
could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions
allow. This combination will help stabilize
the vehicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road
in a safe area.
9-26Technical and consumer information
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......5-97
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) ....2-40
Advanced air bag system ...........1-55
Aiming control Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) . . 2-40
Headlights ................. 2-39
Air bag system Advanced air bag system .........1-55
Front passenger air bag and status
light ..................... 1-57
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system ......1-60
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact and
rollover supplemental air bag system . . 1-60
Air bag warning labels ............1-63
Air bag warning light ..........1-63, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ...........8-18
Air conditioner Advanced Climate Control System
(ACCS) ................... 4-35
Air conditioner service ..........4-40
Air conditioner specification label ....9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .....4-40, 9-7
Automatic climate control .....4-31, 4-34
In-cabin microfilter ............4-39
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) .........2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-8
Antenna .................... 4-82Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
.......5-97
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ....................... 2-11
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ..........7-4
Armrest ..................... 1-16
Around View™ Monitor ............4-19
Audible reminders ............... 2-20
Audio operation precautions .........4-40
Audio system ................. 4-40
Steering wheel audio controls ......4-81
Auto closure .................. 3-23
Autolight system ................ 2-37
Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-11
Climate control ........... 4-31,
4-34
Door locks ..................3-5
Drive positioner .............. 3-30
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-15
Moonroof .................. 2-64
Seat positioner .............. 3-30
Average fuel consumption and speed ....2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover ........5-6
B
Back door (See lift gate) ...........3-19
Battery ..................... 8-15
Battery saver system ........2-39, 2-66
Intelligent Key ............... 8-24
Variable voltage control system .....8-16 Before starting the engine
..........5-13
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-17
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system . . . . . . 5-29
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warning
light ....................... 2-12
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System . . . 4-96
Booster seats ................. 1-47
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . ....5-97
Brake booster ............... 8-21
Brake fluid .............. 8-12, 8-13
Brake system ............... 5-94
Parking brake operation .........5-19
Warning light ................ 2-12
Break-in schedule ............... 5-83
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ...........4-7
Instrument panel .............. 2-41
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-11
Bulb replacement ............... 8-26
C
Cabin air filter ................. 4-39
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............4-95
Cargo floor box ................ 2-60
Cargo light ................... 2-68
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ....5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning . . . 4-80
Center
multi-function control panel . . ....4-3
Floor mat cleaning................7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ....8-11
Brake fluid .............. 8-12, 8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Engine coolant ................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Power steering fluid ............8-12
Window washer fluid ............8-14
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ...................... 4-54
Fog light switch ................. 2-42
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . . . 5-75
Front passenger air bag and status light . . . 1-57
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-2
Front seat Front seat adjustment .........1-2, 1-16
Front-seat active head restraint ........1-12
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................9-2
Fuel economy ................ 5-83
Fuel economy information (display) ....4-9
Fuel octane rating ..............9-4
Fuel recommendation ............9-4
Fuel-filler cap ................ 3-23
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-23
Gauge .....................2-8
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning .........3-25
Fuses ....................... 8-21
Fusible links .................. 8-22 G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ................... 2-68
Gascap ..................... 3-23
Gauge .......................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge .........2-8
Fuel gauge ..................2-8
Odometer ...................2-6
Speedometer .................2-6
Tachometer ..................2-7
Trip computer ................ 2-27
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box .................... 2-57
H
Hands-Free Phone System, Bluetooth . . . 4-96
Hazard warning flasher switch ........2-43
Head
restraints ..................1-8
Headlight washer ................ 2-41
Headlights Aiming control ............... 2-39
Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-40
Bulb replacement .............. 8-27
Headlight switch .............. 2-37
Xenon headlights .............. 2-36
Heated seats .................. 2-44
Heated steering wheel .............2-43
Heater Automatic climate control ......4-31, 4-34
Engine block heater ............5-102
Hill start assist system .............5-91HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .......2-68
Hood release .................. 3-18
Hook Coat hooks ................. 2-59
Luggage hook ................ 2-59
Horn ....................... 2-44
I
Ignition switch (Push-button) .........5-10
Immobilizer system ............... 2-31
In-cabin microfilter ............... 4-39
Indicator Dot matrix display ............. 2-21
Lights ..................... 2-17
INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System . ....2-31
INFINITI voice recognition system ......4-106
INFO button ....................4-7
Inside mirror .................. 3-27
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ......9-31
Instrument brightness control .........2-41
Instrument panel .................2-4
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator
light ....................... 2-18
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system .....5-80
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system ....5-39
Main
switch indicator ........... 2-24
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light .................. 2-14
Intelligent Key ..................3-2
Intelligent Key system ..............3-6
Battery replacement ............8-24
Key operating range .............3-8
Key operation ................3-9
Warning light ................ 2-14
10-3
Seat belt warning light and chime....2-16
Seat belts .................. 1-18
Seat belts with pretensioners .......1-62
Small children ................ 1-29
Three-point type ............... 1-22
Seat(s) Climate controlled seats ..........2-46
Driver-side memory ............3-30
Heated seats ................ 2-44
Seats .....................1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system . . 2-29
Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start .............. 2-31
Selector lever, Shift lock release .......5-18
Servicing climate control ...........4-40
SETTING button ................. 4-11
Shift lock release Transmission ................ 5-18
Shifting, Automatic transmission .......5-15
SNOW mode ................... 5-93
Snow mode switch ............... 2-49
Spare tire ................. 8-38, 9-9
Spark plugs ................... 8-17
Speedometer ...................2-6
Starting Before starting the engine .........5-13
Jump starting ................ 6-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
Push starting ................ 6-13
Starting the engine ............. 5-13
STATUS button ..................4-7
Status light, Front passenger air bag .....1-57
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-43
Power steering fluid ............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-94Steering lock release malfunction
indicator
................... 2-23
Steering-wheel-mounted controls for
audio ..................... 4-81
Tilt/telescopic steering ..........3-26
Storage ..................... 2-54
Sun visors .................... 3-26
Sunglasses
holder............... 2-56
Supplemental air bag warning labels .....1-63
Supplemental air bag warning light . . 1-63, 2-16
Supplemental restraint system ........1-50
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system .................... 1-50
Switch Autolight switch .............. 2-37
Fog light switch ............... 2-42
Hazard warning flasher switch ......2-43
Headlight aiming control .........2-39
Headlight switch .............. 2-37
Ignition switch ................ 5-15
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) OFF
switch .................... 2-50
Power door lock switch ...........3-5
Snow mode switch ............. 2-49
Turn signal switch ............. 2-42
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .................... 2-51
T
2nd row seat .................. 2-55
3rd row seat .................. 2-56
Tachometer ....................2-7
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ................2-7 Theft (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start
................... 2-31
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tilt/telescopic steering ............3-26
Tire Pressure, Low tire pressure warning
light ..................... 2-14
Tire replacement indicator . . . ......2-25
Tires Flat tire ....................6-2
Low tire pressure warning system .....5-3
Tire and Loading information label . 8-31, 9-11
Tire chains ................. 8-35
Tire dressing .................7-4
Tire pressure ................ 8-29
Tire pressure information (display) ....4-9
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) .................. 5-3, 6-2
Tire rotation ................. 8-36
Types of tires ................ 8-35
Uniform tire quality grading ........9-28
Wheel/tire
size ................9-9
Wheels and tires .............. 8-29
Top Tether strap child restraints ........1-34
Touch screen ...................4-4
Tow mode .................... 5-93
Tow mode switch ................ 2-49
Towing Flat towing ................. 9-28
Tow truck towing .............. 6-14
Towing a trailer ............... 9-17
Towing safety ................ 9-21
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system ....5-3
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator . . . . . 5-5
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system .....6-2
10-6