SSI0345
VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
2. Battery (P.8-15)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-10)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission models) (P.8-13)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
8. Air cleaner (P.8-19)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-8) 10. Drive belts location (P.8-18)
11. Engine Coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
12. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
Illustrated table of contents0-11
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system
then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See“Brake system”(P.5-
52).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, the light comes on for 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any other
time, it may indicate the transmission is
not functioning properly. Have your INFINITI
retailer check and repair the transmission.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light comes on when the
parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake
not applied, stop the vehicle and perform
the following: 1. Check the brake fluid level. If brake
fluid is necessary, add fluid and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer. (See “Brake and clutch fluid”
(P.8-13).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and
the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both
the brake warning light and the Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake sys-
tem checked, and if necessary repaired, by
an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-10).)
WARNING
. Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you judge
it to be safe, drive carefully to the
nearest service station for repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
. If the brake fluid level is below the
minimum or MIN mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an INFINITI
retailer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging
system is not functioning properly. Turn
the engine off and check the alternator
belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing or
if the light remains on, see an INFINITI
retailer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt
is loose, broken or missing.
Instruments and controls2-11
8. Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models)
This indicator means that the engine will
start by pushing the ignition switch with
the clutch pedal depressed.
9. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle
speed is above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the
parking brake is applied.
10. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches the empty (E) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining
in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
the empty (E) position.
11. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer
tank fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid
as necessary. (See“Window washer fluid”
(P.8-14).)
12. Door/trunk open warning (igni-
tion switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or the trunk lid are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which
door or the trunk lid is open on the display.
13. Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly after the
vehicle has been refueled. (See
“Fuel-filler
cap ”(P.3-32).)
14. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates and low tire pressure detected. The
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning appears
each time the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position as long as the low tire
pressure warning light remains illumi-
nated. If this warning appears, stop the
vehicle and adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
(See “Low tire pressure warning light” (P.2-
12) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
15.“Time to rest” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “time
to rest” indicator activates. You can set the
time for up to 6 hours. (See “Trip computer”
(P.2-26).)
16. Low outside temperature warn-
ing
This warning appears if the outside tem-
perature is below 378F(3 8C). The warning
can be set not to be displayed. (See “Trip
computer” (P.2-26).)
17. Cruise indicator
Cruise main switch indicator:
The indicator is displayed when the cruise
control main switch is pushed. When the
main switch is pushed again, the indicator
disappears. When the cruise control main
switch indicator is displayed, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator:
The indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control
system. If the indicator blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate that the
cruise control system is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
See“Cruise control” (P.5-21) for details.
Instruments and controls2-21
5-10Starting and driving
SSD1021
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATION
When the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal (automatic
transmission model) or the clutch pedal
(manual transmission model), the ignition
switch position will change as follows:
.Push center once to change to ACC.
. Push center two times to change to ON.
. Push center three times to change to
OFF. (No position illuminates.)
. Push center four times to return to ACC.
. Open or close any door to return to
LOCK during the OFF position. The ignition lock is designed so that the
ignition switch position cannot be switched
to LOCK until the shift lever is moved to the
P (Park) position (Automatic Transmission
models).
When the ignition switch cannot be
switched toward the LOCK position, pro-
ceed as follows:
Move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position (Automatic Transmission models).
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position. The ignition switch position
indicator will not illuminate.
2. Open the door. The ignition switch will change to the LOCK position.
The shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed (Automatic Transmission mod-
els).
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position)
The ignition switch can only be locked in
this position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when
it is pushed to the ACC position while
carrying the Intelligent Key or with the
Intelligent Key inserted in the port.
ACC (Accessories)
This position activates electrical acces-
sories such as the radio, when the engine
is not running.
ON (Normal operating position)
This position turns on the ignition system
and electrical accessories.
OFF
The engine can be turned off in this
position.
The ignition lock is designed so that the
ignition switch cannot be switched to the
LOCK position until the shift lever is moved
to the P (Park) position.
5-12Starting and driving
.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning/indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
10).) 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the shift lever is in either of the
above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully
to the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal (AT
model) or the clutch pedal (MT model)
and push the ignition switch to start
the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while
depressing the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal (MT model) with the
ignition switch in any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to
the floor) and while holding, crank
the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it. Push the ignition
switch to the ON position to start
cranking the engine. After 5 or 6
seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After
cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine
with your foot off the accelerator
pedal by depressing the brake pedal
and the clutch pedal (MT model) and
pushing the push-button ignition
switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat
the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start, push the ignition switch to OFF and
wait 10 seconds before cranking again,
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-18Starting and driving
4. Push down the shift lock*Bas
illustrated.
5. Push the shift lever button
*Cand
move the shift lever to N (Neutral)
position
*Dwhile holding down the
shift lock.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion. Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have an INFINITI retailer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.
Adaptive shift control (ASC)
The adaptive shift control system automa-
tically operates when the transmission is
in the "D" (drive) and "DS" (Drive Sport)
position and selects an appropriate gear
depending on the road conditions such as
uphill, downhill or curving roads.
Control on uphill and curving roads:
A low gear is maintained that suits the
degree of the slope or curve to allow
smooth driving with a small number of
shifts. Control on downhill roads:
The adaptive shift control system shifts to
a low gear that suits the degree of the
slope, and uses the engine braking to
reduce the number of times that the brake
must be used.
Control on winding roads:
A low gear is maintained on continuous
curves that involve repeated acceleration
and deceleration, so that smooth accelera-
tion is available instantly when the accel-
erator pedal is depressed.
NOTE:
.
Adaptive shift control may not operate
when the transmission oil temperature
is low immediately after the start of
driving or when it is very hot.
. During some driving situations, hard
braking for example, the adaptive shift
control may automatically operate. The
transmission may automatically shift
to a lower gear for engine braking. This
increases engine speed but not vehicle
speed. Vehicle speed is controlled by
the accelerator pedal when the vehicle
is in the Adaptive shift control mode.
. When the adaptive shift control oper-
ates, the transmission sometimes maintains a lower gear for a longer
period of time than when adaptive shift
control is not operating. Engine speed
will be higher for a specific vehicle
speed while ASC system is operating
than when ASC is not operating.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
.
Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control.
. Do not over-rev the engine when shifting
to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of
vehicle control or engine damage.
CAUTION
.Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may damage the
clutch.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
.Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position.
. When the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running for a period of time, for
example at a stop light, shift to the N
(Neutral) position and release the clutch
pedal with the foot brake applied.
SSD0536
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into the appropriate gear, then
release the clutch pedal slowly and
smoothly.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure
smooth gear changes, fully depress the
clutch pedal before operating the shift
lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully
depressed before the transmission is
shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur. Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in
sequence according to vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and
then move it to the R (Reverse) position
after stopping the vehicle completely.
The shift lever returns to its original
position when the shift lever is moved to
the N (Neutral) position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
the R (Reverse) or 1st gear, shift the N
(Neutral) position, and then release the
clutch pedal once. Fully depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into the R (Reverse)
or 1st gear.Suggested upshift speeds
The following are suggested vehicle
speeds for shifting into a higher gear.
These suggestions relate to fuel economy
and vehicle performance. Actual upshift
speeds will vary according to road condi-
tions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
Starting and driving5-19
5-22Starting and driving
.in heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed
. on winding or hilly roads
. on slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.)
. in very windy areas
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing the
clutch pedal when the cruise control is set.
Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal
and turn the main switch off immediately.
Failure to do so may cause engine damage.SSD0600
1. ACCELERATE/RESUME switch
2. COAST/SET switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switch
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accel-
erator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the
MAIN switch on. The CRUISE indicator will
come on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. (The
CRUISE SET indicator will come on in the
instrument panel.) Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will main-
tain the set speed.
.
To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release
the pedal, the vehicle will return to the
previously set speed.
. The vehicle may not maintain the set
speed on winding or hilly roads. If this
happens, drive without the cruise con-
trol.
To cancel the preset speed, follow any of
these methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button. The SET indicator will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal. The SET indicator will go out.
c) Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position. The SET indicator will go out.
d) Turn the MAIN switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator and SET indicator
will go out.
. If you depress the brake pedal while
pushing the ACCELERATE/RESUME or
COAST/SET switch and reset at the
cruising speed, the cruise control will