ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant
temperature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
perature with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer).
When the engine temperature reaches a
certain level:
.The engine coolant temperature gauge
will move toward the H position.
. Engine power may be reduced.
. The air conditioning cooling function may
be automatically turned OFF for a short
time (the blower will continue to oper-
ate).
Engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed
can be controlled with the accelerator pedal,
but the vehicle may not accelerate at the
desired speed. The transmission will down-
shift or upshift as it reaches prescribed shift
points. You can also shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine
coolant temperature is reduced, vehicle
speed can be increased using the accelerator
pedal, and air conditioning cooling function
will automatically be turned back ON. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not
reduced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning light
illuminates or engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge does not return to the normal
range from the H position, this may
indicate a malfunction. Move the vehicle
off the road to a safe area and allow the
engine to cool. If after checking the oil
and coolant, the
remains on or
engine coolant temperature does not
return to the normal range, do not
continue to drive. It is recommended
you contact an INFINITI retailer.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may also come ON. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed, unless it remains on, but
have it inspected soon. It is recommended
you visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
See “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P.2-11).
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic, which could increase the chance of a
collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. See
“If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Starting and driving5-17
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-120Starting and driving
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads..Automated passes permit drivers touse special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse posi-
tion with the engine running. Doing
so may result in drivetrain damage or
unexpected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test a 4WD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer or similar equipment even
if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform
test facility personnel that your ve-
hicle is equipped with 4WD before it
is placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
CAUTION
.Do not drive the vehicle in the 4HI or
4LO position on dry hard surface
roads. Driving on dry, hard surfaces
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMYINFINITI ALL-MODE 4WD®(if so equipped)
6-10In case of emergency
the ignition switch ON/OFF one time.
SCE0910
Installing the spare tire
The full-size temporary use only spare tire
(if so equipped) is designed for emergency
use. (See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” (P.8-27).)
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surfacebetween the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly in the
sequence illustrated (
,,,,,)
until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as illu-
strated. Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
.
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
.As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to specification at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abra-
sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing
on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may
dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning pro-
ducts are available at an INFINITI retailer or
any automotive accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This
will prevent dirt and salt from building up
and causing the acceleration of corrosion on
the underbody and suspension. Before the
winter period and again in the spring, the
underseal must be checked and, if necessary,
re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for
glass to become coated with a film after the
vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner
and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based dis-
infectant cleaners. They could damage
the electrical conductors, radio antenna
elements or rear window defroster ele-
ments.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against road
salt in areas where it is used during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.
Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
Appearance and care7-3
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VK56VD engine model .............................................. 8-3
Engine cooling system ..................................................... 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
..... 8-6 Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter .................................. 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .......................... 8-8
Power steering fluid ......................................................... 8-8
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
... 8-9 Brake fluid ..................................................................... 8-9
Window washer fluid ................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
....... 8-11 Jump starting ............................................................. 8-12
Variable voltage control system ................................. 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
. 8-13
Spark plugs ....................................................................... 8-14 Replacing spark plugs .............................................. 8-14
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
. 8-14 Windshield wiper blades .............................................. 8-15
Cleaning ..................................................................... 8-15
Replacing ................................................................... 8-16
Rear window wiper blades .......................................... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
........ 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ............................................. 8-17
Brake pad wear warning ....................................... 8-17
Brake booster ........................................................... 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
.......... 8-18 Engine compartment .............................................. 8-18
Passenger compartment ....................................... 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........................ 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
......... 8-23
Headlights ................................................................ 8-24
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ............................................................. 8-27
Tire pressure ............................................................. 8-27
Tire labeling .............................................................. 8-31
Types of tires ........................................................... 8-33
Tire chains ................................................................. 8-33
Changing wheels and tires .................................. 8-34
8-2Do-it-yourself
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.
. On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced
because the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service.
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.10-34).)
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.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
11-2
Cargo floor box .................................................... 2-60
Cargo light ............................................................. 2-68
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ......... 5-4
Center ventilators ................................................ 4-25
Chassis and body maintenance ....................... 9-10
Child restraints ...................................................... 1-31Booster seats .................................................. 1-48
LATCH system ............................................... 1-33
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-31
Top tether strap ............................................. 1-36
Child safety ........................................................... 1-29
Child safety rear door lock .................................. 3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .......................................... 2-21
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .............................. 8-19
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-5
Climate control Automatic climate control ............. 4-26, 4-28
Clock ........................................................................\
2-51
Coat hooks ............................................................ 2-59
Cockpit ...................................................................... 2-3
Cold weather driving ........................................ 5-136
Console box ........................................................... 2-57
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ............................................. 7-8 Cruise control ....................................................... 5-65
Fixed speed cruise control (on
ICC system) .................................................... 5-84
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system .... 5-66
Cup holders ........................................................... 2-54
D
Daytime running light system .......................... 2-42
Dimensions ......................................................... 10-10
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system .......... 5-87
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ......................................................... 2-14
Drive belts .............................................................. 8-13
Drive positioner .................................................... 3-39
Driving Cold weather driving ................................. 5-136
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-18
On-pavement and off-road driving ........... 5-8
Precautions when starting and driving ..... 5-4
Safety precautions ........................................ 5-10
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................... 5-120
Elapsed time ......................................................... 2-29
Emission control information label ............... 10-12
Emission control system maintenance ............ 9-8
Emission control system warranty ............... 10-31
EngineBefore starting the engine .......................... 5-15
Break-in schedule ........................................ 5-119 Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants .......................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-5
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ...................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................... 8-6
Coolant temperature gauge ......................... 2-8
Emergency engine shut off ......................... 5-14
Engine block heater .................................... 5-137
Engine compartment check locations ........ 8-3
Engine cooling system ................................... 8-4
Engine oil ........................................................... 8-6
Engine oil and oil
filter recommendation .................................. 10-6
Engine oil replacement indicator ............... 2-27
Engine oil viscosity ........................................ 10-7
Engine serial number ................................. 10-12
Engine specifications ................................... 10-8
Engine start operation indicator ............... 2-24
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 6-14
Oil pressure gauge .......................................... 2-9
Protection mode ............................................ 5-17
Remote engine start
operation indicator ........................................ 2-24
Starting the engine ....................................... 5-15
Entry/exit function, Automatic
drive positioner .................................................... 3-39
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ........................ 10-33
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........................ 5-4
Explanation of scheduled
maintenance items ................................................. 9-5
Extended storage fuse warning ...................... 2-25
Extended storage switch .................................. 8-20
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .... 10-12
FilterAir cleaner housing filter ............................. 8-14
Changing engine oil and filter ...................... 8-6
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch) ......................................................... 6-2
Flat tire ...................................................................... 6-3
Flat towing ......................................................... 10-30
Flexible seating ..................................................... 1-11
Floor mat cleaning ................................................. 7-6
Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ......... 8-8
Brake fluid ......................................................... 8-9
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Engine coolant .................................................. 8-4
Engine oil ........................................................... 8-6
Power steering fluid ....................................... 8-8
Window washer fluid .................................. 8-10
Fog light switch ................................................... 2-44
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with
pedestrian detection system ......................... 5-100
Forward Emergency Braking system
warning light ......................................................... 2-15
Front passenger air bag and status light ..... 1-60
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4 Front seat
Front seat adjustment ........................ 1-4, 1-10
Front-seat active head restraint ...................... 1-17
Fuel
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Fuel economy .............................................. 5-120
Fuel information ........................................... 10-4
Fuel octane rating ........................................ 10-4
Fuel-filler cap .................................................. 3-26
Fuel-filler door ............................................... 3-26
Gauge .................................................................. 2-9
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ...................... 3-28
Fuel efficient driving tips ................................. 5-119
Fuses ....................................................................... 8-18
Fusible links ........................................................... 8-19
G
Garage door opener HomeLink®
Universal Transceiver ....................... 2-68, 2-72
Gas cap ................................................................... 3-26
Gauge ........................................................................\
. 2-6 Engine coolant temperature gauge ............ 2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge ............................. 2-9
Fuel gauge ......................................................... 2-9
Odometer ............................................................ 2-7
Speedometer ...................................................... 2-7
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-8
Trip computer ................................................. 2-28
General maintenance ............................................. 9-2 Glove box ............................................................... 2-56
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................... 6-2
Head restraints/headrests ................................ 1-13
Headlight washer ................................................ 2-42
Headlights
Aiming control ................................................ 2-41
Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) .................................. 2-42
Bulb replacement .......................................... 8-24
Headlight switch ............................................ 2-37
Heated seats ......................................................... 2-46
Heated steering wheel ....................................... 2-45
Heater Automatic climate control ............. 4-26, 4-28
Engine block heater .................................... 5-137
High beam assist ................................................. 2-39
Hill start assist system ..................................... 5-128
HomeLink
®Universal Transceiver ...... 2-68, 2-72
Hood release ......................................................... 3-21
Hook Coat hooks ...................................................... 2-59
Luggage hook ................................................. 2-59
Horn ........................................................................\
. 2-45
I
Ignition switch (Push-button) .......................... 5-12
Immobilizer system .............................................. 2-32
In-cabin microfilter .............................................. 4-35
11-3