5-134Starting and driving
wheel from locking, the system helps the
driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid
obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk”
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-function, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation
in the brake pedal and hear a noise from
under the hood or feel a vibration from the
actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating
properly. However, the pulsation may indi-
cate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.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 wheel
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 out-
put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
.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 conditions).
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
help keep the vehicle on the steered path.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM
5-140Starting 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.
automatically stopping during the same
journey.
.Whenever the Idling Stop System is
deactivated the indicator light
on the
Idling Stop OFF switch illuminates. In
this condition the Idling Stop System
cannot prevent unnecessary fuel con-
sumption, exhaust emissions, or noise
during your journey.
.If the Idling Stop System is malfunction-
ing, the indicator light
on the Idling
Stop OFF switch illuminates.
NOTE:
The Idling Stop System ON or OFF message
is displayed for a few seconds in the vehicle
information display when the Idling Stop
OFF switch is pushed. See “Idling Stop
System ON or OFF” (P.5-141).
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 insert-
ing it into the key hole or use the Intelligent
Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system (for
VR30DDTT engine models)” (P.8-6), “En-
gine cooling system (for 2.0L turbo gasoline
engine models)” (P.8-8) or “Intercooler cool-
ing system (for VR30DDTT engine models)”
(P.8-9).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For
additional information, see “Battery” (P.8-
16).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling
system (for VR30DDTT engine models)”
(P.8-6) or “Engine cooling system (for 2.0L
turbo gasoline engine models)” (P.8-8).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER 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. It is
recommended you consult an INFINITI re-
tailer 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 prohibit 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.8-40) of this manual.
Starting and driving5-143
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times in less than
1.5 seconds, or
.Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
in this section.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except the
spare. When the low tire pressure warning
light is lit and the “Tire Pressure Low - Add
Air” warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by
the low tire pressure warning light. This
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h).
For more details, see “Warning lights, in-
dicator lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
12) and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-5).
WARNING
.Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the electric medical equipment man-
ufacturer for the possible influences
before use..If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and
increase the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire (if so
equipped) or repair it with the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit (if so
equipped) as soon as possible. If no
tire is flat and all tires are properly
inflated, it is recommended you con-
sult an INFINITI retailer.
.Since the spare tire is not equipped
with the TPMS, when a spare tire is
mounted or a wheel is replaced, the
TPMS will not function and the low
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ................................................ 8-3
Engine compartment check locations .......................... 8-4
VR30DDTT 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...................................................... 8-15Battery................................................................................ 8-16
Main battery location.............................................. 8-17
Auxiliary battery location
(for 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models) ........... 8-17
Checking battery fluid level................................... 8-18
Jump starting............................................................. 8-19
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-19
Drive belts ........................................................................ 8-20
Spark plugs........................................................................ 8-21
Replacing spark plugs.............................................. 8-21
Air cleaner.......................................................................... 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ............................................... 8-22
Cleaning....................................................................... 8-22
Replacing..................................................................... 8-22
Brakes................................................................................. 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes............................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning........................................ 8-23
Fuses................................................................................... 8-23
Engine compartment.............................................. 8-24
Passenger compartment ........................................ 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement........................... 8-26
Lights.................................................................................. 8-29
Headlights.................................................................. 8-30
Exterior and interior lights.................................... 8-30
8-12Do-it-yourself
JVM0667X
2.0L turbo gasoline engine
JVM0428X
2.0L turbo gasoline engine
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
.Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the
engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of
the engine. Failure to do so could lead toengine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. For VR30DDTT engine models: Screw in
the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten addition-
ally more than 2/3 turn.
For 2.0L turbo gasoline engine models:
Securely tighten the oil filter. Do not use
excessive force.
Oil filter tightening torque:
VR30DDTT engine models
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.6 N·m)
2.0L turbo gasoline engine models
19 ft-lb
(25 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
VR30DDTT engine models
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29.4 to 39.2 N·m)
2.0L turbo gasoline engine models
22 ft-lb
(30 N·m)
JVM0731X
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid is below the MIN lineor the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be checked. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
JVM0253X
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir per-
iodically. Add window washer fluid when the
low window washer fluid warning appears in
the vehicle information display.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the
window washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.To check the window washer fluid level, use
your finger to plug the hole
of the cap/
tube assembly, then remove it from the
reservoir. If there is no fluid in the tube,
add fluid.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
.Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the
paint.
.Do not fill the window washer re-
servoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir.
Do-it-yourself8-15
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time
the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires repla-
cement, 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 schedule shown in the “9.
Maintenance and schedules” section.
JVM0255X
VR30DDTT engine model
JVM0734X
VR30DDTT engine model
Do-it-yourself8-23
BRAKES FUSES