engine INFINITI EX 2011 Owners Manual
Page 452 of 480
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
VQ35HR engine
INFINITI recommends the use of unleaded pre-
mium gasoline with an octane rating of at least
91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research
octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available,
you may use unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Re-
search octane number 91), but you may notice a
decrease in performance.
CAUTION
●Using a fuel other than that specified could
adversely affect the emission control sys-
tem, and may also affect warranty coverage.
● Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will damage
the three-way catalyst.
● Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel.
Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel system
components and is not covered by the
INFINITI vehicle limited warranty.
Gasoline specifications
INFINITI recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifica-
tions where it is available. Many of the automo-
bile manufacturers developed this specification
to improve emission system and vehicle perfor-
mance. Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
(WWFC) specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
INFINITI supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
INFINITI does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your INFINITI cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of such fuels may cause vehicle performance prob-
lems and/or fuel system damage.
●
The fuel should be unleaded and have an oc-
tane rating no lower than that recommended
for unleaded gasoline.
● If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a methanol
blend, is used, it should contain no more than
10% oxygenate. (MTBE may, however, be
added up to 15%.)
● If a methanol blend is used, it should contain
no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol,
wood alcohol). It should also contain a suit-
able amount of appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time, suffi-
cient data is not available to ensure that all
methanol blends are suitable for use in
INFINITI vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling or hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling.
Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint
damage.
Technical and consumer information9-3
Page 453 of 480
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispens-
ing pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (Example: fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for
gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
lower than recommended above can cause per-
sistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark knock is a
metallic rapping noise.) If severe, this can lead
to engine damage. If you detect a persistent
heavy spark knock even when using gasoline of
the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed onlevel roads, have an INFINITI retailer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is not re-
sponsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at an
INFINITI retailer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice light
spark knock for a short time while accelerating
or driving up hills. This is no cause for concern,
because you get the greatest fuel benefit when
there is light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
CAUTION
●
Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85
fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifi-
cally designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel
system components and is not covered by
the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
● E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. ●
U.S. government regulations require ethanol
dispensing pumps to be identified by a
small, square, orange and black label with
the common abbreviation or the appropriate
percentage for that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
Page 454 of 480
1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure sat-
isfactory engine life and performance, see “CA-
PACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” earlier in this section.
INFINITI recommends the use of an energy
conserving oil in order to improve fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE viscos-
ity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the vehicle
will be operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused by
improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil
and filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered
by the new INFINITI vehicle limited warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
STI0505
Technical and consumer information9-5
Page 456 of 480
ENGINE
ModelVQ35HR
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60°
Bore × Stroke in (mm) 3.760 × 3.205 (95.5 × 81.4)
Displacement cu in
(cm
3) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Idle speed rpm No adjustment is necessary.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/
rpm
Spark plug Standard FXE22HR-11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
VQ35HR engine
STI0425
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
Page 458 of 480
DIMENSIONS
Overall length(with front license plate) in (mm) 182.5 (4,636)
Overall width in (mm) 71.0 (1,803)
Overall height (without roof rack) in (mm) 62.1 (1,577)*1*3
62.1 (1,578)*4
62.2 (1,579)*2
(with roof rack) 63.0 (1,599)*1
63.0 (1,601)*2
62.9 (1,598)*3
63.0 (1,600)*4
Front tread in (mm) 60.4 (1,535)*1*2
60.6 (1,540)*3*4
Rear tread in (mm) 60.8 (1,545)
Wheelbase in (mm) 110.2 (2,800)
*1: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)/18-inch wheel model
*2: Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)/19-inch wheel model
*3: Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)/18-inch wheel model
*4: Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)/19-inch wheel model If you plan to travel in another country,
you
should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline.
Therefore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas
where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your ve-
hicle to another country, state, province or dis-
trict, it may be necessary to modify the vehicle
to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into another
country, state, province or district and regis-
tered, its modifications, transportation, and reg-
istration are the responsibility of the user.
INFINITI is not responsible for any inconvenience
that may result.
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING YOUR
VEHICLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY
Technical and consumer information9-9
Page 459 of 480
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The number is stamped as shown in the engine
compartment.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
STI0431STI0492STI0509
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
9-10Technical and consumer information
Page 466 of 480
Your new vehicle was designed to be used to
carry passengers and cargo. INFINITI does not
recommend trailer towing, because it places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive-
train, steering, braking, and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at
www.InfinitiUSA.com. This guide includes infor-
mation on trailer towing capability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from towing a trailer
is not covered by INFINITI warranties.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
●Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, always
tow forward, never backward. ●
DO NOT tow any automatic transmission ve-
hicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication.
● For emergency towing procedures refer to
“TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
Automatic transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly
MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-17
Page 469 of 480
Additional information concerning motor
vehicle safety may be obtained from
Transport Canada’s Road Safety Infor-
mation Centre at 1-800-333-0371 or on-
line at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English
speakers) or
www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere (French
speakers).
To notify INFINITI of any safety concerns
please contact our Consumer Informa-
tion Centre toll free at 1-800-361-4792.A vehicle equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
should never be tested using a two wheel
dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used
by some states for emissions testing), or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform test facility
personnel that your vehicle is equipped with
AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may result in
transmission damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states/ areas
or provinces, your vehicle may be required to be
in what is called the “ready condition” for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/Mtest condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”.
Contact a INFINITI retailer to set the “ready
condition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-20Technical and consumer information
Page 472 of 480
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-80
Adaptive front lighting system (AFS) .....2-37
Adjustable headrest .............. .1-9
Advanced air bag system ............1-42
Aiming control, Adaptive front lighting
system (AFS) .................. .2-37
Air bag system Advanced air bag system ..........1-42
Front passenger air bag and
status light ................. .1-44
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-47
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .......1-47
Air bag warning labels .............1-49
Air bag warning light ...........1-49, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-16
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-47
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .....4-47, 9-6
Automatic climate control .........4-39
In-cabin microfilter .............4-47
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle
security system) ................ .2-31
Alcohol, drugs and driving ...........5-7
All-wheel drive (AWD) ............. .5-74
All-wheel drive (AWD) warning light ......2-12
Antenna .................... .4-91Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
........5-80
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light ....................... .2-12
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ..........7-2
Interior appearance care ...........7-4
Armrest ..................... .1-12
Around view monitor ............. .4-27
Audible reminders .............. .2-20
Audio operation precautions .........4-48
Audio system ................. .4-48
Steering wheel audio controls ......4-90
Autolight system ............... .2-35
Automatic Automatic
climate control ......4-40, 4-43
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-11
Climate control .............. .4-39
Door locks .................. .3-5
Drive positioner .............. .3-24
Driving with automatic transmission . . .5-12
Moonroof .................. .2-52
Seat positioner .............. .3-24
Average fuel consumption and speed . . . .2-27
Avoiding collision and rollover .........5-5
B
Back door (See lift gate) ............3-16
Battery ..................... .8-13
Battery saver system ............2-36
Intelligent Key ............... .8-22
Variable voltage control system ......8-15Before starting the engine
...........5-11
Belts (See drive belts) .............8-15
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system ......5-25
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warning
light ....................... .2-13
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) . . . . . . .4-93
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) . . . . .4-103
Bluetooth streaming audio ..........4-74
Booster seats ................. .1-34
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-80
Brake fluid ................. .8-12
Brake system ............... .5-77
Parking brake operation ..........5-16
Warning light ............... .2-13
Break-in schedule ............... .5-73
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ...........4-8
Instrument panel ............. .2-38
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-12
Bulb replacement ............... .8-24
C
Cabin
air filter ................. .4-47
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............4-92
Card holder .................. .2-47
Cargo cover .................. .2-48
Page 473 of 480
Cargo light................... .2-56
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst .....5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning . . . .4-88
Center multi-function control panel .......4-2
Child restraints ................. .1-20
Booster seats ................ .1-34
LATCH system ................ .1-22
Precautions on child restraints .......1-21
Child safety ................... .1-19
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes Audible reminders ............. .2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime .....2-16
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ........7-2, 7-4
Climate control, Automatic climate control . .4-39
Clock ...................... .2-44
Coat hooks ................... .2-48
Cockpit ...................... .2-2
Cold weather driving .............. .5-83
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ..................... .4-65
Compact spare tire ............... .8-37
Compass ..................... .2-8
Console box .................. .2-47
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ....................... .4-5
Controls Control panel button .............4-2
INFINITI Controller .............. .4-5
Coolant Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-7
Corrosion protection .............. .7-6Cover, Cargo cover
............... .2-48
Cruise control .................. .5-32
Fixed speed cruise control (on ICC
system) ................... .5-50
Cup holders ................... .2-45
Current fuel consumption ............2-27
D
Daytime
running light system ..........2-37
Defroster switch, Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch .........2-34
Dimensions ................... .9-9
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system .....5-54
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light .................. .2-14
Distance to empty ............... .2-28
Door/lift gate open warning ..........2-24
Dot matrix liquid crystal display ........2-20
Drive belts ................... .8-15
Drive positioner ................ .3-24
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ............5-74
All-wheel drive (AWD) safety precautions . .5-7
Cold weather driving .............5-83
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-12
On-pavement and off-road driving ......5-5
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
DS (Drive Sport) mode ..............5-14
DVD player operation ............. .4-66
E
Economy, Fuel ................. .5-73
Elapsed time .................. .2-27Elapsed time and trip odometer . . .
.....2-27
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty . ......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-11
Break-in schedule ............. .5-73
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-7
Checking engine oil level ...........8-8
Coolant temperature gauge .........2-7
Emergency engine shut off .........5-10
Engine block heater .............5-85
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine
cooling system............8-6
Engine oil .................. .8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator ......2-26
Engine oil viscosity ............. .9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Engine start operation indicator . . . . . .2-23
If your vehicle overheats ..........6-10
Starting the engine ............. .5-11
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner .................... .3-24
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ...........9-21
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) .........5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . . .9-11
10-2