Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip”
under these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded. .
Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
. Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F
(−7°C) or lower.
To use the engine block heater
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on
outside temperatures, to properly warm
the engine coolant. Use an appropriate
timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
Starting and driving5-143
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ............................................... 8-3
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-4VR30DDTT 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) ........................ 8-14
Power steering fluid (models with hydraulic pump
electric power steering) ................................................ 8-14
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
. 8-15
Window washer fluid .................................................... 8-15 Battery ........................................................................\
...... 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 ........................................................................\
8-19
Spark plugs ..................................................................... 8-20 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 ................................................................. 8-29
Exterior and interior lights ................................... 8-30
8-22Do-it-yourself
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other materi-
al may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild
detergent. Then rinse the blade with clear
water. If your windshield is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the
wiper, replace the blades.
Worn windshield wiper blades can damage
the windshield and impair driver vision.
When a washer nozzle is clogged
It is recommended you see an INFINITI
retailer if a washer nozzle is clogged or any
malfunction occurs. Do not attempt to clean
the nozzle using a needle or a pin. Doing so
may damage the nozzle.
SDI2048
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
Before replacing the wiper blades, the wiper
should be in the fully up position to avoid
scratching the engine hood or damaging the
wiper arm. To pull up the wiper arm, see
“Wiper and washer switch” (P.2-33).
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the release tab
, and then move
the wiper blade down the wiper arm
while pushing the release tab to remove.
3. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until a click sounds.
4. Rotate the wiper blade so the dimple is in the groove.
CAUTION
.After wiper blade replacement, re-
turn the wiper arm to its original
position;
otherwise it may be damaged when
the hood is opened.
. Make sure the wiper blades contact
the glass; otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
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). If your vehicle is
equipped with different sized tires in the
front and rear, tires cannot be rotated.
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 scheduled 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.
Maintenance and schedules9-3
9-4Maintenance and schedules
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient 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*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe condition require frequent
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 electro-
nic 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 fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Intercooler coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. (See “Precautions when starting and
driving” (P.5-4).)
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
gasoline 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.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Under the hood and vehicle ......................... 9-4
Maintenance schedules ........................................ 9-6
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) ..................... 2-17
Map lights .............................................................. 2-55
Master warning light .......................................... 2-14
Mechanical key (Intelligent Key system) .......... 3-3
Memory storage Automatic drive positioner ......................... 3-34
Meter Trip computer ................................................. 2-27
Meters and gauges ................................................ 2-6 Instrument brightness control ................... 2-41
Mirror
Inside mirror ................................................... 3-30
Outside mirrors .............................................. 3-31
Vanity mirror ................................................... 3-33
Moonroof ............................................................... 2-53
N
NAVI Shift Control .............................................. 5-20
New vehicle break-in ........................................ 5-123
O
Odometer .................................................................. 2-7
Off-road recovery .................................................. 5-9
Oil Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ................. 10-2
Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................. 8-11 Engine oil ........................................................ 8-10
One touch unlock sensor (See Intelligent
Key system) ........................................................... 3-10
Operation Indicators for operation ............................... 2-21
Outside air temperature .................................... 2-29
Outside mirrors .................................................... 3-31
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ............... 6-16
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual
order information ............................................. 10-26
P
Panic alarm ............................................................ 3-18
Parking Parking brake operation .............................. 5-21
Parking on hills ............................................. 5-127
Parking brake break-in .................................... 5-131
Personal lights ...................................................... 2-56
PERSONAL mode ............................................... 5-25
Phone Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-4
Power Power door lock ............................................... 3-4
Power outlet ................................................... 2-45
Power steering fluid ..................................... 8-14
Power steering system ............................. 5-128
Power windows ............................................. 2-51
Power moonroof ................................................. 2-53
Power steering warning light ........................... 2-14
Precautions Braking precautions .................................... 5-131 Child restraints ............................................... 1-24
Cruise control ................................................. 5-72
Maintenance ..................................................... 8-3
Seat belt usage .............................................. 1-12
Supplemental restraint system .................. 1-42
When starting and driving ............................ 5-4
Pre-crash seat belts with
comfort function .................................................. 1-14
Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW) ............................................... 5-114
Push starting ......................................................... 6-16
Push-button ignition switch .............................. 5-11R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-4
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ..................... 2-34
Rapid air pressure loss .......................................... 5-9
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test (US only) .......................................... 10-25
Rear door lock
Child safety rear door lock ........................... 3-6
Rear seats ................................................................. 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ................................................... 2-35
Recorders Event data .................................................... 10-26
Registering your vehicle in
another country ................................................ 10-14
Remote engine start ........................................... 3-20
Remote keyless entry system .......................... 3-16
11-5
11-8
W
WarningFlat Tire - Visit dealer warning ................. 2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch .................... 6-2
Indicators for operation (vehicle
information display) ...................................... 2-21
Lights ................................................................ 2-10
Power steering warning light ..................... 2-14
Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW) ......................................... 5-114
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ........................... 5-5, 6-3, 8-33
Vehicle information display ........................ 2-19
Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders .......................................... 2-10
Warning labels Air bag warning labels ................................. 1-60
Warning light
Air bag warning light ........................ 1-60, 2-15
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
warning light ................................................... 2-10
Brake warning light ....................................... 2-11
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)
system warning light .................................... 2-11
Low fuel warning light ................................. 2-12
Low tire pressure warning light ................ 2-12
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-15
Warranty Emission control system warranty ........ 10-23 Washer switch
Wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-33
Washing .................................................................... 7-2
Waxing ....................................................................... 7-2
Welcome light and farewell light function .... 3-11
Wheel/tire size ................................................... 10-12
Wheels and tires .................................................. 8-33
Care of wheels .................................................. 7-3
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels .................. 7-3
Cleaning bright wheels .................................. 7-4
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-15
Window(s) Cleaning ............................................................... 7-3
Power windows ............................................. 2-51
Wiper Rain-sensing auto wiper system ............... 2-34
Wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-33
Wiper blades ................................................... 8-22
Wiper and washer switch ................................. 2-33