Distance Control Assist (DCA) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-54Precautions on Distance Control
Assist system ................................................ 5-55
Distance Control Assist operation .................. 5-56
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-67 Precautions on FCW system ........................... 5-68
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-70 Precautions on IBA system ............................ 5-71
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-74
Fuel Efficient Driving Tips................................... 5-74
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-76
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) .............. 5-76
Parking/parking on hills .................................... 5-78
Power steering................................................... 5-79
Continuous damping control (if so equipped)..... 5-79
Brake system..................................................... 5-80 Braking precautions ...................................... 5-80 European design brake pads (if
so equipped) ............................................... 5-80
Parking brake break-in................................. 5-80
Brake assist ...................................................... 5-81
Brake assist................................................. 5-81
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ............................ 5-81
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-83
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............. 5-85
Rear active steer system (if so equipped) .......... 5-86
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-87
Freeing a frozen door lock ........................... 5-87
Antifreeze .................................................... 5-87
Battery......................................................... 5-87
Draining of coolant water............................. 5-87
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-87
Special winter equipment ............................ 5-88
Driving on snow or ice ................................. 5-88
Engine block heater (if so equipped)............ 5-88
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
SIC3848
The Continuous Damping Control optimizes
damping force and helps minimize the
movement of the vehicle body. It helps
stable driving when the vehicle moves up
and down on large rolling roads or when
the vehicle body leans during cornering
with a high centrifugal force.
The damping force will automatically ad-
just according to the road surface and
driving conditions.
The damping force of the shock absorbers
can be adjusted to the level you desire. Set
the switch to the position you desire while
the ignition switch is ON.Set the Continuous Damping Control mode
select switch to the AUTO position
*Afor a
smooth ride.
Set the switch to the SPORT position
*Bwhen you desire a quick response all the
time.
The SPORT mode indicator light will illumi-
nate.
Starting and driving5-79
POWER STEERING CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL (if so
equipped)
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps
to perform the following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce tire
slip on one slipping drive wheel so
power is transferred to a non slipping
drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine
output to reduce drive wheel slip based
on vehicle speed (traction control func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel flashes so note the following:
.
The road may be slippery or the system
may determine some action is required
to keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the
road conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-19) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-21).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn off
the system, the VDC system still operates
to prevent one drive wheel from slipping by
transferring power to a non slipping drive
wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if
this occurs. All other VDC functions are off,
and the VDC warning light
will not
flash. The VDC system is automatically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the
on position.
See
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-19) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-21)
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
. The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt steering
operation at high speeds or by careless
or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer
Starting and driving5-85
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
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 used.
. Always attach safety chains before tow-
ing.
For information about towing your vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“Flat towing” (P.9-27) of this manual.
In case of emergency6-13
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement .................................... 8-2Scheduled 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
VK50VE engine ................................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-11 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-16
Battery .............................................................. 8-17 Jump starting ................................................ 8-19
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-19 Drive Belts ........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-20 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-22 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-22
Replacing..................................................... 8-23
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-24 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-24
Fuses ................................................................ 8-25 Engine compartment .................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment............................... 8-26
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-27
Lights................................................................ 8-29
Headlights ................................................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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).
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) section 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.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
SDI2262
VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Drive belts
11. Coolant reservoir
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
SDI2264
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Radiator filler cap
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner
10. Drive belt location
11. Coolant reservoirThe engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-
round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The antifreeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.
Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” (P.6-12) of this man-
ual.
. The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
radiator cap.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM