a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
INFINITI recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
WARNING
.Never rely solely on the hill start
assist system to prevent the vehicle
from moving backward on a hill.
Always drive carefully and atten-
tively. 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 injury.
. The hill start assist system may not
prevent the vehicle from rolling back-
wards on a hill under all load or road
conditions. Always 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. The hill start assist system automatically
keeps the brakes applied to help prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards in the time it
takes the driver to release the brake pedal
and apply the accelerator when the vehicle is
stopped on a hill.
The hill start assist system will operate
automatically under the following condi-
tions:
.
The transmission is shifted to a forward
or reverse gear.
. The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill
by applying the brake.
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds.
After 2 seconds the vehicle will begin to roll
back and the hill start assist system will stop
operating completely.
The hill start assist system will not operate
when the transmission is shifted to the N
(Neutral) or P (Park) position or on a flat and
level road.
Starting and driving5-125
HILL START ASSIST SYSTEM
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ................................................ 8-2
Engine compartment check locations .......................... 8-3VK56VD engine ............................................................ 8-3
VQ37VHR engine......................................................... 8-5
Engine cooling system...................................................... 8-8 Checking engine coolant level................................... 8-9
Changing engine 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........................................................ 8-14
Brake fluid...................................................................\
....... 8-14 Brake fluid .................................................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid...................................................... 8-15
Battery ........................................................................\
........ 8-16
Jump starting............................................................... 8-17
Variable voltage control system.................................. 8-18
Drive belts ........................................................................\
.. 8-18
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
8-19
Replacing spark plugs................................................ 8-19 Air cleaner........................................................................\
.. 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ............................................... 8-21
Cleaning....................................................................... 8-21
Replacing..................................................................... 8-21
Brakes..................................................................\
............... 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes............................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning........................................ 8-22
Fuses...................................................................\
................ 8-23 Engine compartment............................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement........................... 8-25
Lights........................................................................\
.......... 8-27 Headlights.................................................................. 8-28
Exterior and interior lights.................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires............................................................. 8-30 Tire pressure ............................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling............................................................... 8-34
Types of tires............................................................. 8-36
Tire chains................................................................... 8-36
Changing wheels and tires..................................... 8-37
8-22Do-it-yourself
SDI2362
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle.
This may cause improper windshield washer
operation. If the nozzle is clogged, remove
any objects with a needle or small pin
.Be
careful not to damage the nozzle. If the brakes do not operate properly, it is
recommended you have the brakes checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
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.
BRAKES
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 checking
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 speci-
fied. 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.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
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 Booklet.
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, have your vehicle checked immediately.
It is recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service. 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, it is recommended you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
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.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjuster and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
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
Maintenance and schedules9-3