Black plate (377,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road. GUID-5A0B024F-3785-40BC-BF28-384D2975453D
The 4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system is
an electronically controlled four-wheel
steering system.
Depending on the vehicle speed and
steering angle, the angles of the front
and rear wheels are adjusted by the 4WAS
system to help improve driving perfor-
mance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
4WAS function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate
normally. The “ 4WAS ” warning light will
illuminate. If the light illuminates while you
are driving, contact an INFINITI retailer for
repair.
The steering wheel may be slightly turned
even when driving on a straight road due to
a protection mechanism for the 4WAS
system. This is not a malfunction. The
steering wheel will return to the normal
position after the protection mechanism
deactivates.
The protection mechanism activates under
the following conditions:
. The steering wheel is operated forcibly
when it is hard to operate or the tires
are blocked by obstacles.
. The steering wheel is continuously
operated when the vehicle is parked or being driven at extremely low speed.
. The steering wheel is forcibly turned
beyond its operation limits.
. The battery voltage is reduced.
Repeated steering maneuvers that may
activate the protection mechanism will
damage the 4WAS system.
WARNING The 4WAS system, although a sophisticated
device, cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands
of the driver. Therefore only through atten-
tive and careful driving methods can the
4WAS system be fully appreciated and
safety optimized.
Starting and driving
5-574 WHEEL ACTIVE STEER (4WAS) SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Black plate (392,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]6-12 In case of emergencyused.
. Always attach safety chains before tow-
ing.
For information about towing your vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“ Flat towing ” (P.9-23) of this manual.
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). SCE0788
Two-wheel drive models
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI GUID-1972A0E5-899D-424B-955B-A23087C49817
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models GUID-FE3D3969-5707-4CA8-BD66-27F17FDE5FEF
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION . Never tow automatic transmission mod-
els with the rear wheels on the ground
or four wheels on the ground (forward or
backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmis-
sion. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always use
towing dollies under the rear wheels.
. When towing rear wheel drive models
with the front wheels on the ground or
on towing dollies: Push the ignition
switch to the ACC or ON position, and
secure the steering wheel in a straight-
ahead position with a rope or similar
device.
. If you have to tow manual transmission
Black plate (397,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]. Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks.
. Always pull the cable straight out from
the front of the vehicle. Never pull on the
vehicle at an angle.
. Pulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
. Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle GUID-D8ABA446-7649-42A5-93FF-7D6260146444
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
backward. .
Shift back and forth between R
(reverse) and D (drive) (automatic
transmission models) or 1st (low)
and R (reverse) (manual transmis- sion models). .
Apply the accelerator as little as
possible to maintain the rocking
motion. .
Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D (automatic
transmission models) or 1st and R
(manual transmission models). .
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
service to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency
6-17
Black plate (410,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]8-4 Maintenance and do-it-yourself GUID-D9BF222E-C089-4501-8A50-955A33E8DF3B
During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed 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 mainte-
nance work, see “ Maintenance precau-
tions ” (P.8-6).
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS GUID-464D8334-4B6E-4650-8810-2AA00D8EFD2D
Additional information on the following
items with “ * ” is found later in this
section.
Outside the vehicle GUID-D21012E2-ED85-45D5-B3C1-02A03AE3EF12
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.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
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 check-
ing 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). If your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear, tires cannot be
rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter 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 Book-
let.
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 GUID-9BC72144-3F74-486E-818A-C3F8D037D67D
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Black plate (411,1)
[ 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 vehicle GUID-29B64B94-E77F-40DC-A4B2-6B5D542860ED
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 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-yourself
8-5
Black plate (412,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]8-6 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfdripping 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 corrected 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
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see “ Cleaning exterior ” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. GUID-DA5BC1C7-4A3F-402D-B20E-D7AF3C2C5866
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING . Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. For manual transmission mod-
els, move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission models,
move the selector lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and
the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Black plate (473,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS GUID-50D1912A-C00F-4ED3-8ACC-D24A0397214B
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels sepa-
rately to determine axle loads. In-
dividual axle loads should not
exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR). The total of
the axle loads should not exceed the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label. If weight
ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights
below the ratings. GUID-BC9945CE-0C0A-468B-8072-EAC4EDA8B7B5
Your vehicle was designed to be used to
carry passengers and cargo. INFINITI does
not recommend trailer towing, because it
places additional loads on your vehicle ’ s
engine, drivetrain, steering, braking, and
other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at
www.InfinitiUSA.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
CAUTION Vehicle damage resulting from towing a
trailer is not covered by INFINITI warranties.
FLAT TOWING GUID-A4A9B27A-245D-4579-9712-944464AA5082
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational
vehicle, such as a motor home. CAUTION . Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
. DO NOT tow any automatic transmission
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
. DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicle with any of the wheels on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious and
expensive damage to the powertrain.
. For emergency towing procedures refer
to “ Towing recommended by INFINITI ”
(P.6-12) of this manual.
Automatic transmission GUID-5322E855-87A5-4D73-B422-7DD7455EF723
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models: GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models: GUID-D73A39BF-43C8-459F-9C24-47B7F579C407
To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehicle
Technical and consumer information
9-23TOWING A TRAILER
Black plate (479,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]10 Index Number4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system .................... 5-57
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) warning light .......... 2-14
AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ............................ 5-54
Advanced air bag system ..................................... 1-46
Air bag system
Advanced air bag system ................................ 1-46
Front passenger air bag and status light ......... 1-49
Front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental
air bag system ................................................ 1-52
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......................... 1-52
Air bag warning labels ......................................... 1-55
Air bag warning light .................................. 1-55, 2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ...................................... 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service .................................... 4-41
Air conditioner specification label ................... 9-14
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-41, 9-7
Automatic climate control ............................... 4-31
In-cabin microfilter .......................................... 4-40
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ................................................... 2-29
Alcohol, drugs and driving ..................................... 5-8
All-wheel drive (AWD) ........................................... 5-45 All-wheel drive (AWD) driving
safety precautions ................................................. 5-8
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ..................... 2-12
Antenna ............................................................... 4-89
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................ 5-54
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light ....... 2-13
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ................................... 7-4
Armrest ................................................................ 1-13
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtrays) ....... 2-44
Audible reminders ............................................... 2-19
Audio operation precautions ................................ 4-41
Audio system ....................................................... 4-41
Steering wheel audio controls ......................... 4-87
Autolight system .................................................. 2-35
Automatic
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ............................................... 2-54
Automatic climate control ..................... 4-32, 4-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) .................. 8-14
Climate control ............................................... 4-31
Door locks ........................................................ 3-6
Drive positioner .............................................. 3-31
Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-14
Moonroof ........................................................ 2-55
Seat positioner ............................................... 3-31
Average fuel consumption and speed ................... 2-26
Avoiding collision and rollover ............................... 5-6 B Battery ................................................................. 8-17
Battery saver system ...................................... 2-37
Intelligent Key ................................................. 8-26
Variable voltage control system ...................... 8-19
Before starting the engine ................................... 5-12
Belts (See drive belts) .......................................... 8-19
Bluetooth ®
hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .......................... 4-90
Bluetooth ®
hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) ................... 4-100
Bluetooth ®
streaming audio ................................ 4-70
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ....................... 5-54
Brake and clutch fluid ..................................... 8-15
Brake fluid ...................................................... 8-15
Brake system .................................................. 5-51
Parking brake operation .................................. 5-20
Warning light .................................................. 2-13
Break-in schedule ................................................ 5-45
Brightness control
Display ON/OFF button ..................................... 4-9
Instrument panel ............................................ 2-38
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................... 2-12
Bulb replacement ................................................. 8-28