5-104Starting and driving
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 hybrid system 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 turning the hybrid system ON, unplug and properly store the cord to
keep it away from moving parts.
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 hybrid system.) 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. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should
not leak water. If coolant is leaking or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the
hybrid system.
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. When 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 emergency6-13
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel). 12-volt battery*:
Check the fluid level in
each cell. It should be between the MAX
and MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high
temperatures or under severe condition
require frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential 12-volt battery
discharge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 12-volt
battery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the 12-volt battery may
need to be charged to maintain 12-volt
battery health.
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 hybrid system. 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
dripping 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.
Inverter coolant lebel: Check the coolant
level when the inverter is cold.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold,
with the hybrid system off. Check the lines
for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
JVM0038X
CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT LE-
VEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine and inverter are cold. If
the coolant level is below the MIN level
*B,
add coolant to the MAX level
*A.
If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
An INFINITI ratailer can change the inverter
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
inverter is hot.
. Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
inverter coolant reservoir.
. 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 the reach of children
and pets.
Inverter coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
SDI2045
VQ35HR engine
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat- ing temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
*1. If the oil level is below*2,
ENGINE OIL
E
ECO drive indicator light ................................... 2-18
ECO mode ......................................................... 5-19
ECO pedal system ............................................. 5-19
Economy
Fuel ............................................................. 5-91
Efficient use of your vehicle ............ Hybrid System-8
Elapsed time ..................................................... 2-30
Elapsed time and trip odometer ........................ 2-30
Emergency hybrid system shut off ...................... 6-3
Emergency shut-off system ............. Hybrid System-4
Emission control information label .................... 9-11
Emission control system warranty ..................... 9-18
Energy flow ............................ Hybrid System-5, 4-11
Energy monitor ................................................. 2-28
Energy monitors .............................. Hybrid System-5
Engine Before starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ........................................... 5-12
Break-in schedule ........................................ 5-90
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-12
Emergency engine shut off ........................... 5-11
Engine block heater ................................... 5-104
Engine compartment check locations ............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................... 8-9 Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ........ 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .................. 2-26
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 9-7
Engine serial number ................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ..................................... 9-8
If your vehicle overheats .............................. 6-12
Starting the INFINITI Direct Response
Hybrid
®System ........................................... 5-12
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................... 2-30
Entry/exit function Automatic drive positioner ........................... 3-27
EV mode odometer and twin trip odometer ....... 2-29
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................... 9-21
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .......................... 5-3
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-10
Fail-safe ............................................................ 5-16
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-20
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-13
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ...... 6-2
Flat tire ............................................................... 6-3
Flat towing ........................................................ 9-17
Floor mat ............................................................ 7-6
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............... 8-15
Brake fluid ................................................... 8-16
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2 Engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil .................................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ................................... 8-17
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ........................................................ 4-62
Fog light switch ................................................ 2-43
Forest Air
TM....................................................... 4-42
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system ........... 5-82
Front passenger air bag and status light ........... 1-44
Front power seat adjustment ............................... 1-3
Front seat Front seat adjustment .................................... 1-3
Front-seat active head restraints ......................... 1-9
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants ........................ 9-2
Fuel economy............................................... 5-91
Fuel economy information (display) .............. 4-12
Fuel information ............................................. 9-4
Fuel octane rating .......................................... 9-4
Fuel-filler cap ............................................... 3-20
Fuel-filler door ............................................. 3-20
Gauge ............................................................ 2-8
Fuel economy history ...................... Hybrid System-7
Fuel efficient driving tips ................................... 5-90
Fuses ................................................................ 8-24
Fusible links ..................................................... 8-24
10-3