Black plate (316,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
5-14Starting and driving
When racing the engine up to 4,000
rpm (VK56VD engine) or 4,500 rpm
(VQ37VHR engine) or more under no
load condition, the engine will enter the
fuel cut mode.
5. To stop the engine, shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position and push the
ignition switch to the OFF position.
In preparation for the next engine start,
the engine may have a slightly delayed
shutoff after pushing the ignition
switch to the OFF position, depending
on the driving conditions (VK56VD
engine models).
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 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 battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Y51D-V-E01-3ADAC877-F0EE-4EEE-B344-6B3344CBF91D
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONY51D-V-E01-658E6FAE-D0C8-4287-8C2F-7C3405FB31DDThe automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by a transmis-
sion control module to produce maximum
efficiency and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the
recommended operating procedures for
this transmission. Follow these procedures
for maximum vehicle performance and
driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicleY51D-V-E01-4DAD59A5-630D-4CAA-B791-6073B0B64774After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the shift lever
button before shifting the shift lever to the
R (Reverse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or
Manual shift mode position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempting
to shift the shift lever.
This automatic transmission model is
designed so that the foot brake pedal
must be depressed before shifting from P
(Park) to any drive position while the
ignition switch position is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of the
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is
pushed to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. 1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed
and push the shift lever button to shift
into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle
in motion.
WARNING
. Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or
manual shift mode. Always depress the
brake pedal until shifting is completed.
Failure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
. Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while vehicle is moving forward. Never
shift to P (Park) or D (Drive) while vehicle
is moving rearward. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and have
an accident.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Condition:
Black plate (320,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
5-18Starting and driving
SSD0974
Shift lock releaseY51D-V-E01-4CBF5E46-C9E6-41B4-940F-F90ECD96A65EIf the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shift lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shift lever button
pushed.
To move the shift lever, perform the
following procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the OFF orLOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
*Ausing a
suitable tool. 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 position
to unlock the steering wheel (if so
equipped). Now the vehicle may be moved
to the desired location.
For models with a steering wheel lock
mechanism: If the battery is discharged
completely, the steering wheel cannot be
unlocked. Do not move the vehicle with the
steering wheel locked.
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)GUID-2BE0D0DF-855C-4440-8D03-E1AE9EF912E9The adaptive shift control system automa-
tically operates when the transmission is
in the "D" (drive) position and selects an
appropriate gear depending on the road
conditions such as uphill, downhill or
curving roads. Control on uphill and curving roads:
GUID-CA441E56-2FD0-4540-A74C-DB510E9F7AE0A 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:
GUID-CA441E56-2FD0-4540-A74C-DB510E9F7AE0The 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:
GUID-CA441E56-2FD0-4540-A74C-DB510E9F7AE0A 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
Condition:
Black plate (407,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent
the vehicle from rolling backwards in the
time it takes the driver to release the brake
pedal and apply the accelerator when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a
hill by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to
roll back and the hill start assist system
will stop operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat
and level road.
Y51D-V-E01-001CE61A-44FC-4E4D-95F7-8EE61107147D
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKY51D-V-E01-5EBECC5D-B5CD-4CE7-A4D7-6E52DD8EBEECTo 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.
ANTIFREEZEY51D-V-E01-7CABC06B-2D45-45D5-A042-B13E6F03CC5EIn 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.8-12).
BATTERYY51D-V-E01-48005E45-813C-44A5-8D41-9521223F2001If 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.8-20).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERY51D-V-E01-A0F702CC-5DF7-4D12-BDDC-B53438BDF4C1If 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.8-12).
TIRE EQUIPMENTY51D-V-E01-B6FA169D-58DD-435F-9AD5-F0E503886684SUMMER 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.8-43).
For all-wheel driveY51D-V-E01-52FA104E-DAD0-44AC-B200-A57E40801427If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
Starting and driving5-105
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Condition:
Black plate (419,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
.The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” (P.8-36).
Y51D-V-E01-781C1C30-AAC3-4DAF-8D44-D7D3051FE996To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below
must be followed.
WARNING
.If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting in
severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
. Explosive hydrogen gas is always pre-
sent in the vicinity of the battery. Keep
all sparks and flames away from the
battery.
. Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, clothing or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution which
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
should come into contact with anything,
immediately flush the contacted area
with water.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
. The booster battery must be rated at 12
volts. Use of an improperly rated battery
can damage your vehicle. .
Whenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
. Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
. Your vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any time.
Keep hands and other objects away from
it.
In case of emergency6-9
JUMP STARTING
Condition:
Black plate (420,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
6-10In case of emergency
SCE0886
VK56VD engine
SCE0884
VQ37VHR engine
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure
to do so could result in damage to the
charging system and cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in anothervehicle
*A, position the two vehicles
(
*Aand*B) to bring their batteries
into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. Switch off
all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with a
firmly wrung out moist cloth
*Cto
reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1?*2?*3?*4).
For models with a steering wheel lock
mechanism: If the battery is discon-
nected or discharged, the steering
wheel will lock and cannot be turned.
Supply power using jumper cables
before pushing the ignition switch
Condition:
Black plate (421,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
and disengaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
.Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (−) to body ground (as
illustrated) −not to the battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*Aand let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
*Aat about 2,000 rpm, and
start the engine of the vehicle being
jump started
*B.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, push the ignition
switch to the OFF position and wait 10
seconds before trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully
disconnect the negative cable and then
the positive cable (
*4?*3?*2?
*1).
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be
contaminated with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on.
Y51D-V-E01-5E7499C6-92EE-4262-B9B9-83F939236178Do not attempt to start the engine by
pushing.
CAUTION
. Automatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. Attempt-
ing to do so may cause transmission
damage.
. Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing since
the three way catalyst may be damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by towing
it; when the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
In case of emergency6-11
PUSH STARTING
Condition:
Black plate (439,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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
VK56VD engine ...
............................................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine ...
............................................. 8-9
Engine cooling system ...
....................................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ...
....................... 8-13
Changing engine coolant ...
............................... 8-14
Engine oil ...
.......................................................... 8-14
Checking engine oil level ...
............................... 8-15
Changing engine oil and filter ...
....................... 8-15
Automatic transmission fluid ...
............................. 8-18
Power steering fluid ...
........................................... 8-18
Brake fluid ...
......................................................... 8-19
Brake fluid ...
.................................................... 8-19
Window washer fluid ...
......................................... 8-19
Battery ...
.............................................................. 8-20
Jump starting ...
................................................ 8-22
Variable voltage control system ...
......................... 8-22 Drive belts
...
........................................................ 8-22
Spark plugs ...
...................................................... 8-23
Replacing spark plugs ...
................................. 8-23
Air cleaner ...
........................................................ 8-24
Windshield wiper blades ...
................................... 8-25
Cleaning ...
...................................................... 8-25
Replacing ...
..................................................... 8-26
Brakes ...
.............................................................. 8-27
Self-adjusting brakes ...
................................... 8-27
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................. 8-27
Fuses ...
................................................................ 8-28
Engine compartment ...
.................................... 8-28
Passenger compartment ...
............................... 8-29
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................... 8-30
Lights ...
................................................................ 8-33
Headlights ...
................................................... 8-33
Exterior and interior lights ...
........................... 8-34
Wheels and tires ...
............................................... 8-36
Tire pressure ...
............................................... 8-36
Tire labeling ...
................................................ 8-40
Types of tires ...
............................................... 8-42
Tire chains ...
................................................... 8-43
Changing wheels and tires ...
........................... 8-43
Condition:
Black plate (442,1)
[ Edit: 2013/ 10/ 21 Model: Y51-D ]
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 vehicleY51D-V-E01-B3361551-A047-4A72-ACCF-65F901F88160The 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.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume 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 battery may need to be
charged to maintain 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 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
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.
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.
Condition: