CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant temperature
near the hot (H) end of the normal range, re-
duce vehicle speed to decrease temperature. If
the gauge is over the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the en-
gine is overheated, continued operation of the
vehicle may seriously damage the engine. For
additional information, refer toIf your vehicle
overheatsin the6. In case of emergency
section for immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank when the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, accelerating, or going up and down
hills due to movement of fuel in the tank.
The gauge needle returns to 0 (Empty) after the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
The low fuel warning
appears on the
vehicle information display when the fuel level
in the tank is getting low.Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers 0
(Empty).
The arrow,
, indicates that the fuel-filler
lid is located on the left side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
•If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light (MIL) may come on. Re-
fuel as soon as possible. After a few driving
trips. the light should turn off. If the light
remains on after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected. It is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
•For additional information, refer toMal-
function Indicator light (MIL) (yellow)in the
2. Instruments and controlssection.
NIC2653
Instruments and controls2-7
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate
if there are objects on the front passenger seat.
Remove the objects and stow them in a safe
place.
If the seat belt warning light flashes, together
with an intermittent warning tone, this means
that the driver or passenger has not fastened
their seat belt, and the speed of the vehicle is
exceeding 15 MPH (25 km/h).
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) air bag warning
light
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is on,
it could mean that the front air bag, driver’s
knee air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not operate
in an accident. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have your vehicle checked by an
INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) air
bag warning light illuminates to indicate that
the system is operational. The light then tuns
off within a few seconds after the engine is
started.If any of the following conditions occur, the
front air bag, front seat-mounted side-impact
air bag, roof-mounted curtain air bag and pre-
tensioner systems need servicing:
•The supplemental air bag warning light
remains on for longer than a few seconds
once the engine is running.
•The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
•The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer
for these services. Unless checked and re-
paired, the supplemental restraint system (air
bag system) and/or the pretensioner systems
may not function properly. For additional infor-
mation, refer toSupplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (SRS)in the1. Safety — seats, seat belts
and supplemental restraint systemsection.
Coolant warning light
WARNING
If the coolant warning light is lit, the engine
may not be being cooled sufficiently and may
be damaged.
Never drive with an overheated engine. Driving
when your engine is overheated can causesome fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire.
In addition, steam from an overheated engine
can cause serious burns, which can occur just
by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury
If the red coolant warning light lights up while the
engine is running and the coolant temperature
gauge is at the start of the scale, the temperature
sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty. The coolant temperature is no longer being
monitored. There is a risk of engine damage if the
coolant temperature is too high.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions, and switch off the
engine. Do not continue driving under any
circumstances.
Consult an INFINITI retailer.
If the red coolant warning light comes on while
the engine is running, with or without an ac-
companying warning tone, it could mean that:
•The coolant level is too low.
•If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to
the engine radiator may be blocked or the
electric engine radiator fan may be malfunc-
tioning.
2-12Instruments and controls
•The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
Observe the additional display messages in the
vehicle information display.
Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention
to road and traffic conditions, and switch off the
engine.
Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from
the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
Check the coolant level and top up the coolant,
observing the warning notes (seeIf your ve-
hicle overheatsin the6. In case of emergency
section).
If you have to top up the coolant frequently,
have the engine cooling system checked.
Make sure that the air supply to the engine
radiator is not blocked, e. g. by frozen slush.
Do not start the engine again until the coolant
temperature is below 250
oF (120oC). The
engine may otherwise be damaged.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches 0 (Empty).There will be a small reserve
of fuel in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches 0
(Empty).
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) warning light
The VDC warning light blinks when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system is operating,
thus alerting the driver to the fact that the road
surface is slippery and the vehicle is nearing its
traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working, this is
normal.
The light will continue to blink for a few seconds
after the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
Cruise control or Intelligent Cruise Control is
deactivated.
For additional information seeVehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) OFF indicator lightin the
2. Instruments and controlssection andVe-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) systemin the5.
Starting and drivingStarting and drivingsec-
tion.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated. Both lights flash
when the hazard switch is turned on.
Low beam indicator light
This light comes on when the switch is turned to
the position:The headlights will come on
and front side, tail, number plate and instru-
ment lights remain on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) has been disabled. This indicates
that the VDC system is not operating.
Disabling the VDC system causes the Forward
Emergency Braking system to become unavail-
able. SeeForward emergency braking (FEB)
system (if equipped)in the5. Starting and
drivingsection for more details.
This light also comes on briefly when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the ON position. The
light will turn off after approximately 1 second if
the VDC system is operational.
Instruments and controls2-13
Engine
Message Possible causes/consequences and solutions
[Check Coolant Level See
Operators Manual]The coolant level is too low.CAUTIONAvoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
Top up the coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so (seeIf your vehicle overheatsin the6. In case of emergencysection).
If the coolant needs topping up more often than usual. have the engine coolant system checked. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
The fan motor is faulty.
If the coolant temperature is below 250oF (120oC), you can continue driving to the nearest place you can have the system checked. It
is recommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Avoid putting the engine under heavy load as you do so, e.g. driving in mountainous terrain and stop-start traffic.
[Coolant Too Hot Stop Ve-
hicle Turn Engine Off]The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
CAUTIONIf the gauge indicates coolant temperature near the hot (H) end of the normal range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease temperature. If the
gauge is over the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the engine is overheated, continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine. For additional information, refer toIf your vehicle overheatsin the6. In case of emergencysection for
immediate action required.
1. Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attention to road and traffic conditions, and switch off the engine.
2. Secure the vehicle against rolling away
3. Wait until the engine has cooled down.
4. Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not blocked, e.g. by frozen slush.
5. Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out and the coolant temperature is below 120
oC. The engine may
otherwise be damaged.
6. Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
7. If the temperature increases again, have the system checked immediately. It is recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant level, the coolant temperature may rise to 250
oF (120oC).
SeeIf your vehicle overheatsin the6. In case of emergencysection.
Instruments and controls2-43
WARNING
•Never rely solely on the Hill Start Assist
(HSA) system to prevent the vehicle from
moving backward on a hill. Always drive
carefully and attentively. Depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped on a
steep hill. Be especially careful when
stopped on a hill on frozen or muddy roads.
Failure to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards may result in a loss of control of
the vehicle and possible serious injury or
death.
•The Hill Start Assist system is not designed
to hold the vehicle at a standstill on a hill.
Depress the brake pedal when the vehicle is
stopped on a steep hill. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to roll backwards and may
result in a collision or serious personal in-
jury.
•The Hill Start Assist system may not pre-
vent the vehicle from rolling backwards on a
hill under all load or road conditions. Al-
ways be prepared to depress the brake
pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards. Failure to do so may result in a
collision or serious personal injury.
•After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could roll
away There is a risk of an accident and in-
jury. Therefore, quickly move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by
hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you have
removed your foot from the brake pedal. This
gives you enough time to move your foot from
the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and
depress it before the vehicle begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To 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 INFINITI Intelligent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the
antifreeze to assure proper winter protection. For
additional information, seeEngine cooling
systemin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
Batteryin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection of this
manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, seeChanging engine
coolantin the8. Do-it-yourselfsection of this
manual.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA) COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-93
WARNING
•Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. Doing so could cause engine damage
or a vehicle fire.
•To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap
while the engine is hot. When the radiator or
coolant reservoir cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possibly caus-
ing serious injury.
•Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If the engine of your vehicle is overheating
(indicated by the engine coolant temperature
gauge) or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect unusual noise, etc., proceed as follows:
1. Move and park the vehicle safely off the
road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flasher lights.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Press the P (Park) button.
DO NOT STOP THE ENGINE.
5. Open all windows.6. Switch off the air conditioner system (if
equipped).
7. Set the heater or air conditioner tempera-
ture control to maximum “HOT” and fan
speed control to maximum speed.
8. Exit the vehicle.
9. Visually inspect and listen for steam or
coolant escaping from the radiator before
opening the hood.WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
10. Open the hood. For details, seeHoodin
the3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments
section.
11. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
12. Visually check the radiator and radiator
hoses for leakage.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jew-
elry or clothing to come into contact with, or
get caught in, engine belts or the engine cool-
ing fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any
time.
13. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir
with the engine running.Do not open the
radiator cap (if equipped).
14. If the level is low, remove the engine
coolant reservoir cap and add coolant
slowly into the reservoir. After refilling the
reservoir to the MAX level, install the res-
ervoir cap.
15. Close the hood.
Have your vehicle inspected or repaired. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI retailer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions..................8-2
Engine compartment check locations...........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine...................8-3
Engine cooling system....................8-3
Checking engine coolant level.............8-4
Changing engine coolant................8-5
Engine oil............................8-5
Checking engine oil level................8-5
Changing engine oil...................8-5
Changing engine oil filter................8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)............8-7
Brake fluid...........................8-7
Window washer fluid.....................8-8
Battery.............................8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery...............8-10
Maintenance free battery................8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System.........8-11
Battery replacement...................8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection.......................8-12
Jump-starting.......................8-12
Drive belt...........................8-12
Spark plugs..........................8-13
Air cleaner filter.......................8-13
Wiper blades.........................8-13Cleaning..........................8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades........8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade..........8-15
Brakes.............................8-17
Self-adjusting brakes..................8-17
Fuses..............................8-17
Before replacing a fuse.................8-17
Engine compartment...................8-17
Passenger compartment................8-18
Intelligent key battery replacement..........
.8-20
Checking the battery..................8-20
Replacing the battery..................8-20
Lights.............................8-22
Exterior and interior lights...............8-22
Replacement procedures................8-24
Wheels and tires.......................8-27
Tire Pressure.......................8-27
Tire inflation pressure.................8-29
Tire labeling.......................8-30
Types of tires.......................8-31
Tire chains........................8-33
Tire wear and damage.................8-33
Tire rotation.......................8-34
Replacing wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel balance......................8-36
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care to
prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are gen-
eral precautions which should be closely ob-
served.
WARNING
•Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Press the P (Park) button.
•Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
position when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
•Do not work under the hood while the en-
gine is hot. Always turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
•If you must work with the engine running,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools
away from moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
•It is advisable to secure or remove any loose
clothing and any jewelry, such as rings,
watches, etc. before working on your ve-
hicle.
•If you must run the engine in an enclosedspace such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to es-
cape.
•Never get under the vehicle while it is sup-
ported by a jack.
•Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from fuel and the battery.
•Never connect or disconnect either the bat-
tery or any transistorized component con-
nector while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
•On gasoline engine models with the Multi-
port Fuel Injection system, the fuel filter and
fuel lines should be serviced by an INFINITI
retailer or qualified workshop because the
fuel lines are under high pressure even
when the engine is turned off.
•Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
engine cooling fan. It may come on at any
time without warning, even if the ignition
switch is in the OFF position and the engine
is not running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
•Always wear eye protection whenever you
work on your vehicle.
•Never leave the engine or the transmission
related component harness connector dis-
connected while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
•Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant, and/or other vehicle flu-
ids can hurt the environment. Always con-
form to local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluids.
This “ 8. Do-it-yourself” section provides in-
structions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could affect
your warranty coverage.If in doubt about any
servicing, it is recommended you have it done by
an INFINITI retailer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself