steering INFINITI FX 2010 Manual PDF

WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off while
driving, the power assist for the steering will
not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds. The Continuous Damping Control optimizes
damping force and helps minimize the move-
ment of the vehicle body. It helps stable driving
when the vehicle moves up and down on large
rolling roads or when the vehicle body leans
during cornering with a high centrifugal force.
The damping force will automatically adjust
according to the road surface and driving con-
ditions.
The damping force of the shock absorbers can
be adjusted to the level you desire. Set the
switch to the position you desire while the
ignition switch is ON.
Set the Continuous Damping Control mode se-
lect switch to the AUTO position
Afor a
smooth ride. Set the switch to the SPORT position
Bwhen
you desire a quick response all the time.
The SPORT mode indicator light will illuminate.
SIC3848
POWER STEERING CONTINUOUS DAMPING CONTROL (if so
equipped)
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How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is common
with Intelligent Cruise Control and is located
below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating prop-
erly, be sure to observe the following:
●Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe with a
soft cloth carefully so as not to damage the
sensor.
● Do not strike or damage the areas around
the sensor. Do not touch or remove the
screw located on the sensor. Doing so could
cause failure or malfunction. If the sensor is
damaged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
● Do not attach a sticker (including transpar-
ent material) or install an accessory near the
sensor. This could cause failure or malfunc-
tion.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
– When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABEL” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this
manual. – For detailed information, see “WHEELS
AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (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 pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent 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.
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When the VDC system operates, theindicator in the instrument panel flashes so
note the following:
●The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
● See “Slip indicator light” and “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) off indicator light” in
the “Instruments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
andindicator lights come on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system automati-
cally turns off when these indicator lights are
on. The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator illuminates to
indicate the VDC system is off. When the VDC
switch is used to turn off the system, the VDC
system still operates to prevent one drive wheel
from slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The
indicator
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC functions
are off and the
indicator will not flash.
The VDC System is automatically reset to on
when the ignition switch is placed in the off
position then back to the on position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or
feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunc-
tion.
WARNING
● The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, both the
andindica-
tor lights may illuminate.
● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling performance, and the
indicator
may flash or both
andindicator
lights may illuminate.
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●If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
both
andindicator lights may
illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
indicator may flash or bothandindicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface such as
a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the
indicator may flash or bothand
indicator lights may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI rec-
ommended ones are used, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
in-
dicator may flash or both
andindicator lights may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The “RAS” warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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In the event of a roadside emergency, Roadside
Assistance Service is available to you. Please
refer to your Warranty Information Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation Booklet (Canada) for details.
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving perform the following procedure:
●Rapidly push the push-button ignition
switch 3 consecutive times, or
● Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, 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 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, see “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section, “TIRE PRESSURE
information” in the “4. Monitor, climate, audio,
phone and voice recognition systems” section
and “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
● If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or LOW PRESSURE information is dis-
played on the monitor screen 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 fail-
ure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result in
serious personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure warning
light OFF. If the light still illuminates while
driving after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
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5. Connect jumper cables in the sequence asillustrated (
1→2→3→4).
If the battery is disconnected or discharged,
the steering wheel will lock and cannot be
turned. Supply power using jumper cables
before pushing the ignition switch and disen-
gaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
●Always connect positive (+) to positive (+)
and negative () to body ground (as illus-
trated) — not to the battery.
● Make sure the jumper cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compartment and
that clamps do not contact any other metal.
6. Start the engine of the booster vehicleA
and let it run for a few minutes.
7. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
Aat about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump
started
B.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more
than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start
right away, push the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait 10 seconds before trying
again.
8. After starting your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1).
9. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
10. Put the battery cover on.
Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION
● Automatic transmission models cannot be
push-started or tow-started. Attempting to
do so may cause transmission damage.
● Three way catalyst equipped models should
not be started by pushing since the three
way catalyst may be damaged.
● Never try to start the vehicle by towing it;
when the engine starts, the forward surge
could cause the vehicle to collide with the
tow vehicle.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
PUSH STARTING
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When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions
are available from an INFINITI retailer. Local
service operators are familiar with the appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental dam-
age to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your vehicle. It
is advisable to have the service operator care-
fully read the following precautions.
WARNING
●Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has been
lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the transmis-
sion, axles, steering system and powertrain
are in working condition. If any unit is dam-
aged, dollies must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before towing. For information about towing your vehicle be-
hind a recreational vehicle (RV), see “FLAT
TOWING” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-free
number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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TOWING RECOMMENDED BY INFINITI
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illus-
trated.
CAUTION
●Never tow automatic transmission models
with the rear wheels on the ground or four
wheels on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
raised, always use towing dollies under the
rear wheels. ●
When towing rear wheel drive models with
the front wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies: Push the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure the
steering wheel by selecting the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
Two-wheel drive models
SCE0768
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
●Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result in
serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed spe-
cifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook
1
stored with jacking tools as illustrated. Attach
the tow strap to the recovery hook. Make sure
that the hook is properly secured in the original
place after use.
Do not use the tie down hooks
2for towing or
vehicle recovery.
CAUTION
● Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.
● Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
● Never tow a vehicle using the vehicle tie
downs or recovery hooks.
● Always pull the cable straight out from the
front of the vehicle. Never pull on the vehicle
at an angle.
● Pulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-
ing, brake or cooling systems.
● Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in ve-
hicle towing or recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions. 3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to
clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
●Shift back and forth between R (reverse)
and D (drive).
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
● Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-6
Vk50ve engine ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ....................... 8-10
Engine oil ....................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ......................8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ...................8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ......................8-13
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-17Drive belts
....................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-20
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent

Key battery replacement ................8-23
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-26
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
Tire pressure .................................. 8-28
Tire labeling .................................. 8-32
Types of tires ................................. 8-34
Tire chains ................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-36
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