SIC4190
RAIN-SENSING AUTO WIPER SYS-
TEM (if so equipped)
The rain-sensing auto wiper system can
automatically turn on the wipers and
adjust the wiper speed depending on the
rainfall and the vehicle speed by using the
rain sensor located on the upper part of
the windshield.
To set the rain-sensing auto wiper system,
push the lever down to the AUTO position
*1. The wiper will sweep once while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
The rain sensor sensitivity level can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
*2
(High) or*3(Low).
. High —High sensitive operation
. Low —Low sensitive operation
To turn the rain-sensing auto wiper system
off, push up the lever to the OFF position,
or pull down the lever to the LO or HI
position.
CAUTION
Do not touch the rain sensor and around it
when the wiper switch is in the AUTO
position and the ignition switch is in the
ON position. The wipers may operate un-
expectedly and cause to an injury or a wiper
damage.
. The rain-sensing auto wipers are in-
tended for use during rain. If the switch
is left in the AUTO position, the wipers
may operate unexpectedly when dirt,
fingerprints, oil film or insects are
stuck on or around the sensor. The
wipers may also operate when exhaust
gas or moisture affect the rain sensor.
. The rain-sensing auto wipers may not
operate if rain does not hit the rain
sensor even if it is raining. .
When the windshield glass is coated
with water repellent, the speed of the
rain-sensing auto wipers may be high-
er even though the amount of the
rainfall is small.
. Be sure to turn off the rain-sensing
auto wiper system when you use a car
wash.
. Using genuine wiper blades is recom-
mended for proper operation of the
rain-sensing auto wiper system. (See
“Windshield wiper blades” (P.8-21) for
wiper blade replacement.)
Instruments and controls2-33
5-60Starting and driving
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To 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.
ANTIFREEZE
In 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.8-8).
BATTERY
If 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.8-15).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If 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.8-8).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER 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.8-37) of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It 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 ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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
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 ................... 8-7 VQ37VHR engine ............................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ......................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid (if so equipped) .... 8-12
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-14
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) .......................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
Battery .............................................................. 8-15 Jump starting ................................................ 8-17
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-18 Drive belts ........................................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-19 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-21 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................... 8-21
Brakes .............................................................. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-22
Fuses ................................................................ 8-23 Engine compartment .................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment............................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-25
Lights................................................................ 8-27 Headlights ................................................... 8-28
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-34
Types of tires............................................... 8-36
Tire chains ................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-37
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 5,000 miles (8,000 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
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) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer or if a wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other
material may be on the blade or wind-
shield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild
detergent. Then rinse the blade with clear
water. If your windshield is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the
wiper, replace the blades.
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage
the windshield and impair driver vision.
SDI2048
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the release tab
*A, and then
move the wiper blade down the wiper
arm
*1while pushing the release tab
to remove.
3. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until a click sounds.
4. Rotate the wiper blade so the dimple is in the groove.
CAUTION
. After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
. Make sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arm may be da-
maged from wind pressure.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
10-8
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
warning light ............................................... 2-13
Brake warning light ...................................... 2-13
Intelligent Key warning light ........................ 2-15
Low tire pressure warning light .................... 2-15
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-16
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-21
Washer switch, Windshield wiper and
washer switch ................................................... 2-31
Washing ............................................................. 7-2
Waxing ............................................................... 7-2
Wheel/tire size ................................................... 9-9
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-30
Care of wheels ............................................... 7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels .................... 7-3
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-14
Window(s) Automatic adjusting function ....................... 2-52
Cleaning ........................................................ 7-3
Power windows ............................................ 2-50
Windshield wiper and washer switch ................ 2-31
Wiper
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ................... 2-33
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-31
Wiper blades ............................................... 8-21
X
Xenon headlights .............................................. 2-34