Black plate (20,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
0-14Illustrated table of contents
GUID-4EFFD432-519B-49EA-B9D3-B7E9FD7A6615
SDI2709
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINEGUID-2D649F04-F3DE-4C0A-877A-1F56F5C159981. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-24)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission models) (P.8-15)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
8. Air cleaner (P.8-21) 9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
10. Drive belts (P.8-19)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
12.
Engine oil dipstick (for VQ37VHR
engine model) (P.8-11)
13. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ25HR en- gine model) (P.8-11)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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5-58Starting and driving
GUID-695D451B-86A6-4B0E-A4A9-166BD9DD27DE
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKGUID-5F57F3E0-2969-4980-A1A0-BD5D647B2C54To 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.
ANTIFREEZEGUID-F8D7961D-C579-4F53-826C-B5C0F179A8A4In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F
(08C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
BATTERYGUID-7370DBB5-3733-4F67-B170-202B0ECEAFD5If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely 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”
(P.8-17).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERGUID-1E2017DE-B388-4F4A-AC44-3F639AB39240If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-9).
TIRE EQUIPMENTGUID-CB13ADAD-1389-4CA9-89D4-C970D4152E81SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. 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 prohi-
bit 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”(P.8-39) of this manual.
For all-wheel driveGUID-7A027A3E-CFDC-48CE-8A84-86EFBDFF0BCBIf you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTGUID-6AEDC1F1-78E0-49EE-A495-05AD7B0A46B7It 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
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICEGUID-0864712C-2A8E-4B2A-96E7-B1801A0D999A
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 08C 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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to
maximum hot and fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by
climbing 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
radiator 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 cool-
ant 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.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. 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 Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
GUID-EFD3ED0D-F0D8-4E16-A86F-75D73E7484FAWhen towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial 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 applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions.
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 trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
In case of emergency6-11
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
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) mechan-
ism: 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
operation. 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
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing 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 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
steering 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
properly.
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 vehicleGUID-29B64B94-E77F-40DC-A4B2-6B5D542860EDThe 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 tempera-
tures or under 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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
(P.5-3) 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
Black plate (414,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-AFE9B83F-FA8B-4F31-955F-26554D8ED4E6
SDI2709
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINEGUID-7476C613-7968-488E-A6AE-1408D693BF3B1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission 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 en- gine model)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
Black plate (415,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
GUID-5C044D87-071E-4DD5-85C9-155F3106646BThe engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-
round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The antifreeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir 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” (P.6-10) of this man-
ual.
. The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
radiator cap.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause
damage to the engine, transmission
and/or cooling system.
. When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted to
provide antifreeze protection to −348F
(−378C). If additional freeze protection is
needed due to weather where you
operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the direc-
tions on the container. If an equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used,
follow the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to −348F (−378C). 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. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine 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 INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Black plate (416,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2043
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELGUID-0A58561D-6ED8-4332-9DEB-68F0F2BD40A6Check 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
*1
level. 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. If the cooling system requires coolant
frequently, have it checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTGUID-5414AC03-7904-49CD-BD61-168CF59A9756Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by an INFINITI retailer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator 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.
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[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-9300F307-19B1-4EC9-B93C-3421C155DC4A
SDI2027
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out
of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add window washer fluid
when the low window washer fluid warning
light comes on.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir tank and pour
the window washer fluid into the tank
opening.Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution. This
may result in damage to the paint.
. Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank. Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID