– When installing a spare tire, make surethat it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing each
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
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to pre-
vent 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 distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture 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 mal-
function. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates nor-
mally, 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 that you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates
at speeds above5-10km/h (3 - 6 mph). The
speed varies according to road conditions. 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 prop-
erly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the brake assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even with
light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the driv-
er’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
5-142Starting and driving
Do not attach stickers (including transparent
material), install accessories or apply addi-
tional paint near the sonar sensors.
Do not strike or damage the area around the
sonar sensors. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer if the area around
the sonar sensors is damaged due to a colli-
sion.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer 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 0°C (32°F),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, refer
to “Engine cooling system” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
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 additional
information, refer to “Battery” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate 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 infor-
mation.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some states, provinces and territories
prohibit their use. Check local laws be-
fore installing studded tires.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-151
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) (if so equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors
tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
When the low tire pressure warning light is lit,
and the “Tyre Pressure Low - Add Air” warn-
ing appears in the vehicle information display,
one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. If equipped, the system also
displays pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire) on the display screen by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If
the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, 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 25 km/h (16 mph).
For additional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
WARNING
∙ Radio waves could adversely affect elec-tric medical equipment. Those who use a
pacemaker should contact the electric
medical equipment manufacturer for the
possible influences before use.
∙ If the low tire pressure warning light illu- minates while driving, avoid sudden
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 recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on
the tire placard to turn the low tire pres-
sure warning light OFF. If you have a flat
tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. ∙ When replacing a wheel without TPMS
such as the spare tire, TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will flash for approximately
1 minute. The light will remain on after
1 minute. Have your tires replaced
and/or TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for these services.
∙ Replacing tires with those not originally specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
∙ Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to
P (Park).
4. Turn off the engine.
FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3
CAUTION
∙ Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT) models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
∙ Do not push start this vehicle. The three- way catalyst may be damaged. If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading
and the illumination of the engine oil pressure
message), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc. take the
following steps.
WARNING
To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
remove the radiator cap while the engine is
still hot. When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out, possi-
bly causing serious injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to P (Park).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator 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. 4. Open the engine hood.
5. 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 leak-
ing, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, 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.
∙ If coolant is leaking, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
6. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the engine coolant reser-
voir tank with the engine running. Add
coolant to the engine coolant reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for this service.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements.......................8-2
General maintenance .............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance
items .........................................8-2
Maintenance precautions .........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ..............8-6
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant ......................8-9
Engine oil ........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................8-9
Changing engine oil ......................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter ....................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid . . 8-13
Power steering fluid ............................ 8-13
Brake fluid ..................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................ 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-14
Battery ........................................ 8-16
Jump starting ............................... 8-18
Drive belt ...................................... 8-18
Spark plugs .................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-19Air cleaner
..................................... 8-20
Air conditioner filter ......................... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ........................ 8-21
Cleaning .................................... 8-21
Replacing ................................... 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal ..................8-22
Checking parking brake ......................8-22
Checking brake pedal ........................ 8-23
Brake booster ............................... 8-23
Fuses .......................................... 8-24
Engine compartment ........................ 8-24
Passenger compartment .....................8-25
Battery replacement ............................ 8-25
INFINITI Intelligent Key ......................8-26
Lights ......................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................. 8-28
Fog
lights ................................... 8-28
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-29
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-31
Tire pressure ................................ 8-31
Types of tires ............................... 8-34
Tire chains .................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ...................8-35
Your INFINITI has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
long service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day-to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your INFINITI’s good mechanical condition,
as well as its emissions and engine perfor-
mance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to
that guide to ensure that necessary mainte-
nance is performed on your INFINITI at regu-
lar intervals.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your responsi-bility to perform these maintenance proce-
dures regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
you, a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, an
INFINITI retailer.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and corrected by an INFINITI
retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists who are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-retailer training
programs. They are completely qualified to
work on INFINITI vehicles
beforethey work
on your vehicle, rather than after they have
worked on it.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retail-
er’s service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements on
your vehicle — in a reliable and economical
way. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this sec-
tion. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibra-
tions or smell, be sure to check for the cause,
or it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer to do it promptly. In addi-
tion, it is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer if you think that repairs are
required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance pre-
cautions” in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isfound in this section.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
when only the parking brake is applied.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, ad-
justers 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 condition, such as excessive play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defogger Check that the air
comes out of the defogger outlets properly
and in good quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel). Battery* (except for maintenance free bat-
teries)
Check the fluid level in each cell. The
fluid should be at the bottom of the filler
opening. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions require fre-
quent checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake (and clutch) fluid level(s)* For Manual
Transmission (M/T) model; make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between
the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoirs.
Except for Manual Transmission (M/T)
model; make sure that the brake fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the res-
ervoir. Engine coolant level*
Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Make sure that the
coolant level is between the MAX and MIN
lines on the reservoir.
Engine drive belt(s)* Make sure the drive
belt(s) is not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle (on level ground) and turning off
the engine.
Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if fuel fumes
are evident, check for the cause and have it
corrected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, etc.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
VQ35DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Drive belt location
4. Fuse box
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Air cleaner
8. Fuse box
9. Fuse/Fusible link box
10 Fuse/Fusible link box
11. Battery
12. Engine oil dipstick
13. Radiator cap
14. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2498
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself