The Idling Stop System activates to prevent
unnecessary fuel consumption, exhaust
emissions and noise.
.When you fully depress the brake pedal
to stop the vehicle, the engine is turned
off automatically.
. When you release the brake pedal to
begin moving again, the engine is turned
on automatically.
WARNING
The engine restarts if the vehicle moves
at approximately 1 MPH (2 km/h) or
more (on a downhill grade, etc.), while
the engine is turned off by the Idling
Stop System. Depress the brake pedal
immediately to stop the vehicle to pre-
vent an accident.
CAUTION
At the end of the journey the engine
must be stopped and ignition switch be
turned off. Lock the vehicle as normal.
Turning the ignition switch OFF will shut
down all electrical systems. Failure to do
this may result in a discharged battery. NOTE:
The Idling Stop System will not activate
under the following conditions:
.
when the engine is kept idling without
the vehicle being driven after the engine
is turned on.
. when the engine coolant temperature is
low.
. when the battery capacity is low.
. when the battery temperature is low or
extremely high.
. when the vehicle is moving.
. when a negative pressure booster de-
creases.
. when the engine hood is opened with the
engine running.
. when the engine is turned on with the
engine hood open.
. when the driver’s seat belt is not fas-
tened.
. when the driver’s door is open.
. when the steering wheel is operated.
. when the angle of steering wheel is not
straight.
. when the Idling Stop System indicator
blinks at a low speed.
. when the fan speed control is in any
position other than “OFF” (0) while the
air flow control is in the front defroster
position. .
when the front defroster switch is on.
. when the rear window defroster switch
is on.
. When the temperature inside the vehicle
is lower than approximately 68°F
(20°C).
. When the temperature inside the vehicle
is higher than approximately 86°F
(30°C). (When the air conditioner is
off, the Idling Stop System will operate.)
. When the fan speed of the air condi-
tioner is set to the maximum speed.
. when the Idling Stop OFF switch is
turned on.
. when the power consumption is large.
. when the vehicle is traveling at altitudes
higher than 8,203 ft (2,500 m).
. when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
. when the shift lever is in the R (Reverse)
position.
. when the brake pedal is not firmly
depressed.
. when stopping the vehicle on steep
sloping roads.
NOTE:
The engine will not restart even if the brake
pedal is released while the Idling Stop
System is activated when the shift lever is
in the P (Park) position.
Starting and driving5-137
IDLING STOP SYSTEM (if so equipped)
5-138Starting and driving
NOTE:
It may take some time until the Idling Stop
System activates under the following con-
ditions:
.when the battery is discharged.
. when the outside temperature is low or
high.
. when the battery is replaced or the
battery terminal is disconnected for
extended periods and then reconnected.
NOTE:
When the Idling Stop System indicator light
illuminates, the engine starts running auto-
matically under at least one of the following
conditions:
. The brake pedal is released with the shift
lever in the D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
position.
. The shift lever is placed in the D (Drive)
or R (Reverse) position from the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position.
. The driver’s seat belt is unfastened, or
the driver’s door is open.
. The battery voltage becomes low (due to
electrical load from other vehicle sys-
tems like headlights, heaters, etc., or
auxiliary devices connected to the 12
volt socket inside the vehicle).
. The vehicle speed is above about 1 MPH
(2 km/h). .
The front defroster is operated.
. The rear window defroster is operated.
. When the temperature inside the vehicle
is lower than approximately 68°F
(20°C).
. When the temperature inside the vehicle
is higher than approximately 86°F
(30°C). (When the air conditioner is
off, the Idling Stop System will operate.)
. When the front defroster is turned on.
(The engine may not starts depending
on the outside temperature.)
. When more than 3 minutes have elapsed
since the Idling Stop System was active.
. When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
. When the steering wheel is operated.
(The steering wheel operation may be-
come heavy, but this is not a malfunc-
tion.)
. When the battery capacity is low.
. When the power consumption is high.
. When the shift lever is placed in the R
(Reverse) position.
NOTE:
The following condition will prevent the
Idling Stop System from automatically re-
starting the engine. Starting the engine
with the ignition switch operation is then
necessary: .
The hood is open.
Use this system while waiting at stoplight,
etc. When the vehicle is stopped for long
periods of time, turn off the engine.
When the engine is stopped by the Idling
Stop System, heating, cooling and dehumi-
difying functions will be deactivated. To
avoid the air conditioning functions from
being deactivated, turn off the Idling Stop
mode by pushing the Idling Stop OFF switch.
RETROGRADE MOVEMENT
CONTROL FUNCTION
This system is designed to reduce the retro-
grade movement that occurs while the
driver’s foot changes from depressing the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal when
moving the vehicle while the Idling Stop
System is active on a hilly road.
IDLING STOP SYSTEM DISPLAY
The status of the Idling Stop System can be
checked in the vehicle information display.
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
engine.) 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. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. 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 engine.
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. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service. 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. Tow-
ing 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 care-
fully read the following precautions.
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
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
. Always attach safety chains before
In case of emergency6-17
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
7 Appearance and care
Cleaning exterior................................................................. 7-2Washing ........................................................................\
... 7-2
Waxing........................................................................\
...... 7-2
Removing spots.............................................................. 7-3
Underbody...............................................................\
........ 7-3
Glass........................................................................\
.......... 7-3
Wheels........................................................................\
...... 7-3
Chrome parts................................................................. 7-4
Tire dressing................................................................... 7-4 Cleaning interior ................................................................. 7-5
Air fresheners ............................................................... 7-5
Floor mats ..................................................................... 7-5
Seat belts...................................................................\
.... 7-7
Corrosion protection ......................................................... 7-7 Most common factors contributing to
vehicle corrosion.......................................................... 7-7
Environmental factors influence the rate
of corrosion................................................................... 7-7
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ............... 7-8
SAI0051
Positioning hooks
The illustration shows the location of the
floor mat positioning hooks.
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap
solution. Allow the belts to dry completely
before using them.
See “Seat belts” (P.1-12).
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts, since these materials may severely
weaken the seat belt webbing.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
.
The accumulation of moisture-retaining
dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN-
FLUENCE THE RATE OF COR-
ROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should be
removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas
where the temperatures stay above freezing
where atmospheric pollution exists, or where
road salt is used.
Appearance and care7-7
CORROSION PROTECTION
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ................................................ 8-3
Engine compartment check locations .......................... 8-4VR30DDTT engine....................................................... 8-4
2.0L turbo gasoline engine........................................ 8-5
Engine cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models).................................................................... 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ................................. 8-7
Changing engine coolant............................................ 8-7
Engine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models).................................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant............................................ 8-9
Intercooler cooling system (for VR30DDTT
engine models).................................................................... 8-9 Checking intercooler coolant level........................ 8-10
Changing intercooler coolant................................. 8-10
Engine oil.....................................................................\
...... 8-10 Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter................................. 8-11
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).......................... 8-13
Power steering fluid (models with hydraulic pump
electric power steering).................................................. 8-14
Brake fluid...................................................................\
....... 8-14
Window washer fluid...................................................... 8-15 Battery........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Main battery location.............................................. 8-16
Auxiliary battery location (for 2.0L turbo
gasoline engine models).......................................... 8-17
Checking battery fluid level................................... 8-17
Jump starting............................................................. 8-18
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-19
Drive belts ........................................................................\
. 8-19
Spark plugs....................................................................... 8-20 Replacing spark plugs............................................. 8-20
Air cleaner........................................................................\
.. 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ............................................... 8-21 Cleaning....................................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................................... 8-22
Brakes..................................................................\
............... 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes............................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning........................................ 8-22
Fuses...................................................................\
................ 8-23 Engine compartment.............................................. 8-24
Passenger compartment ........................................ 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement........................... 8-26
Lights........................................................................\
......... 8-28 Headlights................................................................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights..................................... 8-29
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from moving. Move the shift
lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
. 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 remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key 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.
. Because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off,
it is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
CAUTION
.
Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly dis-
posed engine oil, coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties 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.
Do-it-yourself8-3
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-4Do-it-yourself
JVC0968X
VR30DDTT ENGINE
1. Battery
2. Engine oil dipstick
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Fuse/fusible link holder6. Air cleaner
7. Engine drive belt location
8. Radiator filler cap
9 Intercooler cooling reservoir
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Window washer fluid reservoir
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS