2-36Instruments and controls
SIC4258
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 intermittent
(INT) 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 the
front
*2(High) or toward the rear*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
unexpectedly 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.
. When the windshield glass is coated
with water repellent, the speed of the rain-sensing auto wipers may be higher
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.
. The rain-sensing auto wipers may not
operate if rain does not hit the rain
sensor even if it is raining.
. Using genuine wiper blades is recom-
mended for proper operation of the rain-
sensing auto wiper system. (See “Wind-
shield wiper blades” (P.8-22) for wiper
blade replacement.)
5-88Starting 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
with 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.
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
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).
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 thevehicle 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
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
.Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air, it stops flame if the
engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned.
Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
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.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
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.
SDI2362
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle
*A. This may cause improper windshield
washer operation. If the nozzle is clogged,
remove any objects with a needle or small
pin
*B. Be careful not to damage the
nozzle.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
8-24Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Contact an INFINITI retailer if checking or
replacement is required.If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked by an INFINITI retailer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjust-
ing brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See an INFINITI retailer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires
replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping sound when the vehicle is in
motion. This scraping sound will first occur
only when the brake pedal is depressed.
After more wear of the brake pad, the
sound will always be heard even if the
brake pedal is not depressed. Have the
brakes checked as soon as possible if the
wear warning sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is
normal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information,
see the maintenance log section of your
“INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide”
for maintenance intervals.
REAR WINDOW WIPER BLADES BRAKES
10-6
Preview Function warning light .......................... 2-18
Push starting .................................................... 6-11
“PUSH”warning ............................................... 2-25
Push-button ignition switch ..................... 5-11, 5-12
R
Radio ................................................................ 4-54 Car phone or CB radio ................................. 4-92
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................... 4-69
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ........................ 2-36
Rapid air pressure loss ....................................... 5-8
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test .......................................................... 9-31
Rear Active Steer system .................................. 5-86
Rear Active Steer warning light ......................... 2-18
Rear center seat belt ......................................... 1-17
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock ......... 3-6
Rear seats .......................................................... 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................ 2-37
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-24
Rearview monitor .............................................. 4-24
Recorders, Event data ....................................... 9-31
Registering your vehicle in another country ...... 9-11
Remote keyless entry system ............................ 3-14
Reporting safety defects ................................... 9-30
Roadside assistance program ............................. 6-2
Rollover .............................................................. 5-6
Roof Moonroof ..................................................... 2-63 Roof rack ..................................................... 2-59
S
Safety
Child seat belts ........................................... 1-18
Towing safety ............................................... 9-23
Satellite radio operation ................................... 4-70
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .......................... 1-3
Front seats ..................................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................................................. 1-18
Infants ......................................................... 1-19
Injured persons ........................................... 1-13
Larger children ............................................. 1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage .................... 1-11
Pre-crash seat belts with comfort function ... 1-13Pregnant women .......................................... 1-13
Rear center seat belt .................................... 1-17
Seat belt cleaning .......................................... 7-6
Seat belt extenders ...................................... 1-17
Seat belt maintenance ................................. 1-17
Seat belt warning light and chime ............... 2-18
Seat belts .................................................... 1-11
Seat belts with pretensioners ...................... 1-49
Shoulder belt height adjustment .................. 1-16
Small children ............................................. 1-19
Three-point type .......................................... 1-14
Seat synchronization function ........................... 3-33
Seat(s)
Climate controlled seats .............................. 2-46 Driver-side memory ...................................... 3-32
Heated seats ............................................... 2-44
Seats ............................................................. 1-2
Security system (INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ........................................ 2-33
Security system, Vehicle security system .......... 2-31
Servicing climate control ................................... 4-54
SETTING button ................................................. 4-15
Shift lever Shift lock release ......................................... 5-19
Shift lock release Transmission ............................................... 5-19
SHIFT “P”warning ............................................ 2-25
Shifting, Automatic transmission ....................... 5-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For
front seats ........................................................ 1-16
Snow mode switch ............................................ 2-48
Spare tire ........................................................... 9-9
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-20
Speedometer ...................................................... 2-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........................... 5-14
Jump starting ................................................. 6-9
Precautions when starting and driving ........... 5-3
Push starting ............................................... 6-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-14
STATUS button .................................................... 4-9
Status light, Front passenger air bag ................ 1-44
Steering Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-15
Power steering system ................................. 5-79