roll away There is a risk of an accident
and injury. Therefore, quickly move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator 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 accel-
erator 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 be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting it
into the key hole, or use the INFINITI Intelli-
gent 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, see
"Engine cooling system" in the "8. Do-it-
yourself" section.
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
"Battery" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section 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, see "Changing engine
coolant" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section of
this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. 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 that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure they are the proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according
to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended
by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chains
must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. In addition,
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-97
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
•Vehicle speed.
•Road condition.
•Outside temperature.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
is counted from the moment the tire pressure
loss warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of 50
MPH (80 km/h).
When replacing one or all tires, observe the
following specifications for your vehicle's
tires:
•Size
•Type
•Run-flat mark
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with a run flat tire, a standard tire may be
used as a temporary measure. Make sure that
you use the proper size and type (summer or
winter tire).
WARNING
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneu-
vers, and driving over obstacles (curbs, pot
holes, off road). This applies in particular to
a laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
•You hear banging noises.
•The vehicle starts to shake.
•You see smoke and smell rubber.
•VDC is intervening constantly.
•There are tears in the sidewalls of the
tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked with regard to their
further use. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. The faulty
tire must be replaced.
REMOVING AND FITTING
WHEELS
NOTE
A spare wheel is not provided with your ve-
hicle.
Blocking the wheels
WARNING
Make sure to block the appropriate wheel
to prevent the vehicle from moving, which
may cause personal injury.
Place suitable blocks
1in front of and be-
hind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire
Ato prevent the vehicle from moving
when it is on the jack.
MCE0001DZ
In case of emergency6-5
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
•Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily than
with an oil-based tire dressing.
•Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to re-
move).
•Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
•Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the in-
terior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe
the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean,
soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution,
then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order
to maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that may
stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a soft cloth dampened only with water to
clean the meter and gauge lens covers.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can dam-
age the seat or occupant classification sen-
sor. This can also affect the operation of
the air bag system and result in serious per-
sonal injury.
CAUTION
•Never use benzine, thinner or any similar
material on the interior surfaces or sur-
face damage may occur. Such damage is
not covered under the INFINITI war-
ranty.
•Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to leather surfaces and should
be removed promptly. Do not use saddle
soap, car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents or
ammonia-based cleaners as they dam-
age the leather's natural finish.
•Never use fabric protectors unless rec-
ommended by the manufacturer.
•Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam-
age the lens covers.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
•Hanging-type air fresheners can cause
permanent discoloration when they con-
tact vehicle interior surfaces. Place the air
freshener in a location that allows it to
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
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 ...............8-4
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 .......8-16
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 ..................... .8-29
Types of tires ..................... .8-31
Tire chains ...................... .8-32
Tire wear and damage ............... .8-33
Tire rotation ..................... .8-34
Replacing wheels and tires .............8-34
Wheel balance .................... .8-35
1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1 P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2 Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millimeters of the tire
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3 Two-digit number (60): This number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s
ratio of height to width.
4 R: The “R” stands for radial.
5 Two-digit number (16): This number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. 6 Two- or three-digit number (94): This
number is the tire’s load index. It is a mea-
surement of how much weight each tire
can support. You may not find this infor-
mation on all tires because it is not re-
quired by law.
7 H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than the tire speed rat-
ing.2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1 DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of Transportation”. The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the left or right of the
Tire Identification Number.
2 Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifi- cation mark
3 Two-digit code: Tire size
4 Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5 Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the
numbers 3103 means the 31st week of
2003. If these numbers are missing, then
look on the other sidewall of the tire.
SDI1606Z
Example
NDI1623
Example
8-30Do-it-yourself
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufactur-
ers also must indicate the materials in the
tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester,
and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible in-
flation pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load
in kilograms and pounds that can be car-
ried by the tire. When replacing the tires
on the vehicle, always use a tire that has
the same load rating as the factory in-
stalled tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an in-
ner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name”
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are de-
fined throughout this section, Intended Out-
board Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that con-
tains a whitewall, bears white lettering or
bears manufacturer, brand and/or model
name molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other sidewall of the
tire, or (2) the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
•When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e, summer, all season or snow) and
construction. An INFINITI retailer may
be able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
•Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and they may not match the po-
tential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Failure to do so may
result in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction
resulting in personal injury or death, ex-
cessive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and differ-
ential gears.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation“ (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for the
model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with
tires of the same size, brand, construction
and tread pattern. The tire pressure and
wheel alignment should also be checked and
corrected as necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Do-it-yourself8-31
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire
(TEMPORARY USE ONLY).
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains
in such conditions can cause damage to the
various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
1: Wear indicator
2: Location mark
TIRE WEAR AND DAMAGE
WARNING
•Tires should be periodically inspected
for wear, cracking, bulging or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire should be replaced immediately.
•The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wear indicator
is visible, the tire should be replaced.
•Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6 years
old checked by a qualified technician be-
cause some tire damage may not be ob- vious. Replace the tires as necessary to
prevent tire failure and possible per-
sonal injury.
•Improper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it is
necessary to repair the spare tire, it is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Tires should be periodically inspected for
wear, cracking, bulging or objects caught in
the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire should be
replaced immediately.
The original tires have a built-in tread wear
indicator. When the wear indicator is visible,
the tire should be replaced.
Improper servicing of a tire may result in se-
rious personal injury. If it is necessary to re-
pair a tire, it is recommended you contact an
INFINITI retailer.SDI1663Z
Do-it-yourself8-33
TIRE ROTATION
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire replacing
procedures, refer to "Flat tire" in the "6. In
case of emergency" section.As soon as pos-
sible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified
torque with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 96 ft-lb (130
N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specifications at all times. It is recommended
that wheel nuts be tightened to specification
at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
•After rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
•Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to "Important Tire Safety In-
formation" (US) or "Tire Safety Infor-
mation" in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
REPLACING WHEELS AND TIRES
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even
if it has been repaired. Such wheels or tires
could have structural damage and could
fail without warning.
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. (See "Wheels and Tires" in
the "9. Maintenance and Schedules" section
for recommended types and sizes of tires and
wheels.)
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a different
offset could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake discs/
drums. Such interference can lead to de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
Confirm the following for the TPMS:
WARNING
•The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of dif-
ferent brands, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), or tread patterns can
adversely affect the ride, braking, han-
dling, VDC system, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain clear-
ance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of
these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
•For 2WD models, if your vehicle was
originally equipped with 4 tires that
were the same size and you are only re-
placing 2 of the 4 tires, install the new
tires on the rear axle. Placing new tires
on the front axle may cause loss of ve-
hicle control in some driving conditions
and cause an accident and personal in-
jury.
•If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same offset dimension. Wheels
of a different offset could cause prema-
ture tire wear, degrade vehicle handling
characteristics, affect the VDC system
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early
8-34Do-it-yourself