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
2-14Instruments and controls
nates if any of the following are displayed
on the dot matrix liquid crystal display:
.No key warning
. Low fuel warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Parking brake release warning
. Door/trunk open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
. Check tire pressure warning
See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” (P.2-
17).
Preview Function warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction
in the Brake Assist (with Preview Function)
system.
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, resume driving and set
the ICC system again.
If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, and will remain illuminated until
the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the
same time, the chime will sound for about
6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is
securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front
passenger will illuminate if the seat belt is
not fastened when the front passenger’s
seat is occupied. For approximately 5
seconds after the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the system does not activate
the warning light for the front passenger.
See “Seat belts” (P.1-11) for precautions
on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light will illuminate. The supplemental air
bag warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the supplemental front air bag
and supplemental side air bag, curtain
side-impact air bag systems and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt are operational. If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and pretensioner systems needs servicing
and your vehicle must be taken to your
nearest INFINITI retailer.
.
The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint systems and/or the pre-
tensioners may not function properly.
For additional information, see “Supple-
mental restraint system” (P.1-35).
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is
on, it could mean that the front air bag, side
air bag, curtain air bag systems and/or
pretensioner systems will not operate in an
accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
retailer as soon as possible.
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
5-12Starting 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
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:
.Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe
with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.
. Do not strike or damage the areas
around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
—When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
—When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tireand Loading Information label”
(P.9-
13) of this manual.
—For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-30) of this
manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels
from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
Starting and driving5-55
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 more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208 F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
Starting and driving5-59
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 ............................. 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 ......................... 8-17 Drive belt .......................................................... 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-20 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-20
Replacing..................................................... 8-21
Brakes .............................................................. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-22
Fuses ................................................................ 8-22 Engine compartment .................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment............................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-25
Lights................................................................ 8-27 Headlights ................................................... 8-27
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