VK56VD ENGINE
1. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
2. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-21)
3. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)4. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
7. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-21)
8. Battery (P. 8-15)9. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-7)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
11. Drive belts (P. 8-17)
12. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)
SDI2585
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents
4. Distance to empty (dte — MILES or
km)
The distance to empty (dte) mode provides you
with an estimation of the distance that can be
driven before refueling. The dte is constantly
being calculated, based on the amount of fuel
in the fuel tank and the actual fuel consump-
tion.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature. If the fuel level is low, the warning is
displayed on the screen.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the dte
display will change to “——”.
●If the amount of fuel added is small, the
display just before the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position may continue to
be displayed.
● When driving uphill or rounding curves, the
fuel in the tank shifts, which may momen-
tarily change the display.
5. Outside air temperature (ICY — °F
or °C)
The outside air temperature is displayed in °F or
°C in the range of 22 to 131°F (30 to 55°C). The outside air temperature mode includes a
low temperature warning feature. If the outside
air temperature is below 37°F (3°C), the warning
is displayed on the screen.
The outside temperature sensor is located in
front of the radiator. The sensor may be affected
by road or engine heat, wind directions and
other driving conditions. The display may differ
from the actual outside temperature or the
temperature displayed on various signs or bill-
boards.
6. Setting
Setting cannot be made while driving. A mes-
sage “Setting can only be operated when
stopped” is also displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display.
The
switchAandswitchBare
used in the setting mode to select and decide a
menu.
SKIP :
Push the
switchAto move to the
warning check mode.
Push the
switchBto select other
menus. ALERT :
There are 3 submenus under the alert menu.
●
BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● TIMER
Select this submenu to specify when the
“TIMER” indicator activates.
● ICY
Select this submenu to display the low out-
side temperature warning.
MAINTENANCE :
There are 5 submenus under the maintenance
menu.
● BACK
Select this submenu to return to the top
page of the setting mode.
● OIL
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for changing the engine oil.
● FILTER
Select this submenu to set or reset the
distance for replacing the oil filter.
2-28Instruments and controls
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis-connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
● Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to
do so may cause transmission damage.
● Three way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing since the three
way catalyst may be damaged.
● Never try to start the vehicle by towing it;
when the engine starts, the forward surge
could cause the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.
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).
CAUTION
● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap or coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is still hot. When the
radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap is re-
moved, pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
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 of these con-
ditions apply, dollies or a flatbed tow truck
must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-14In case of emergency
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
VK56VD ENGINE MODEL
1. Window washer fluid reservoir
2. Fuse/fusible link holder
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Power steering fluid reservoir5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Fuse/fusible link holder
8. Battery
9. Radiator filler cap10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Drive belts
12. Air cleaner
SDI2585
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze
and coolant protection. The antifreeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Addi-
tional engine cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING
●Never 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 “IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6.
In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
● 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 Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) is pre-diluted to provide antifreeze pro-
tection to 34°F (37°C). If additional freeze
protection is needed due to weather where
you operate your vehicle, add Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concen-
trate following the directions on the con-
tainer. If an equivalent coolant other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) is used, follow the coolant manufactur-
er’s instructions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to 34°F (37°C). The use of
other types of coolant solutions other than
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent may damage the engine
cooling system.
●The life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant
is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mix-
ing any other type of coolant other than Genu-
ine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue), including Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green), or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life expectancy
of the factory-fill coolant. Refer to the Nissan
Service and Maintenance Guide for more
details.
Outside
temperature down to Antifreeze Demineral-
ized water
or distilled water
°F °C
30 35 50% 50%
NOTE:
The life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing
any other type of coolant or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant. Refer to the INFINITI Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide for more details.
The use of other types of coolant solutions may
damage the engine cooling system.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when the
engine is cold. If the coolant level is below MIN
2, open the reservoir tank cap and add coolant
up to the MAX
1level. If the reservoir tank is
empty, check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it
to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level
1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding engine
coolant. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type
of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
If the cooling system requires coolant fre-
quently, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by an INFINITI retailer. The service pro-
cedures can be found in the appropriate INFINITI
Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater
performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
●
To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
● Never remove the radiator cap or coolant res-
ervoir cap when the engine is hot. Serious
burns could be caused by high pressure fluid
escaping from the radiator. ●
Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
SDI2511
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself