check engine INFINITI G35 2003 Owner's Guide

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips. If necessary, adjust the pres-
sure in all tires, including the spare, to the
specified pressure. Check carefully for dam-
age, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*: When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) (Sedan).
Tires cannot be rotated (Coupe).
Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
pulls 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 ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar 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.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges and latches if necessary. Make sure
that the secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
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.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure 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 se-
curely in all latched positions. Maintenance
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Seat belts: Check 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.
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.
Clutch pedal*: Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully. Check
the brake booster function. Be sure to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Parking brake*: Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mecha-
nism: On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
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).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
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, deformation, dete-
rioration or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
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 conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after park- ing the vehicle on a level spot and turning off
the engine. (Wait at least 10 minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.)
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level when the fluid is cold and the engine
is turned off. Check the lines for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, etc.
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 locate the
trouble and correct it. See ªPrecautions when
starting and drivingº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section for exhaust gas (Carbon mon-
oxide).
Underbody: The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCleaning exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and
careº section.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
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EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.
Emission control system
maintenance Drive belts*: Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter: Under normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines: Check vapor lines and
connections for failure or looseness. If leaks
are found, replace them.
Fuel lines: Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Engine coolant*: Drain and flush the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*: Under normal driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*: Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Chassis and body maintenance Brake lines & cables: Check the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads & rotors: Check these and the
other neighboring brake components for wear,
deterioration and leaks. Under severe driving
conditions, they may have to be inspected
more frequently.
Automatic transmission fluid*: Using auto-
matic transmission fluid other than Genuine
Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J will cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty. If
checking or replacement is required, we rec-
ommend your INFINITI retailer for servicing.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid should be replaced at the specified interval.
Manual transmission oil & differential gear
oil*: Check the oil level and visually inspect for
signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil should
be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts: Check for damage, looseness and leak-
age of oil or grease. Under severe driving
conditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Exhaust system: Visually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
In-cabin microfilter: Under normal condi-
tions, this microfilter should be replaced in
accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, in some situations, the microfilter
may clog more rapidly (depending on the air
conditioner's working environment). If this hap-
pens, the air flow may decrease, or the win-
dows may fog up easily when the air condi-
tioner is in use, the microfilter should be
replaced immediately at your INFINITI retailer.
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after using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with
a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. 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 In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, south-
ern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico. Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, 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 on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is
not responsible.
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
facility.
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.
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condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
O Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
O Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
O Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
O Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
O Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
O Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
O Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission, first apply the
parking brake and block the wheels, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, the transmission may be
damaged.
O When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending on a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of engine
overloading and/or overheating.
O If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
O Trailer towing consumes more fuel than
normal circumstances.
O Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
O Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule. O When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
O Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
O Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
O To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
sixth gear (manual transmission) or fifth
position (automatic transmission).
O Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently such as on long
down-hill sections of road. This could cause
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11 Index A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-20
Air bag system, Front (See supplemental front air
bag system) .................................................... 1-17
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-23
Air bag warning light.............................. 1-23, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ......................... 4-3, 4-6
Air conditioner specification label............ 10-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ................ 4-6, 10-6
Dual zone button (if so equipped)............... 4-5
Economical operation (ECON) .................... 4-4
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ....... 4-3
Microfilter ..................................................... 4-5
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
Ambient temperature, Air conditioner ............... 4-5
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-42
Antenna........................................................... 4-17
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-3
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8 Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ........................................................... 2-24
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-13
Audio operation precautions ............................. 4-8
Audio system .................................................... 4-6
Steering audio control ............................... 4-17
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ................................... 4-15
Automatic
Adjusting function (Coupe) ........................ 2-33
Anti-glare inside mirror .............................. 3-17
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............. 8-9
Drive positioner ......................................... 3-19
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Operation (For all door windows or front door
windows).................................................... 2-32
Seat positioner, seat ................................. 3-19
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-33
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery saver system................................. 2-18
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7 Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-11
Brake booster ............................................ 8-19
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-11
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-18
Brake system............................................. 5-19
Parking brake check ........................ 5-14, 8-18
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-14
Warning light ............................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-17
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-22
C
Cabin air filter ................................................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluid ................................................................. 10-2
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-18
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-29
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-29
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-14
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-16
Child restraints ................................................ 1-33
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-43
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Installation on rear seat outboard or center
positions .................................................... 1-35
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-33
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-42
With top tether strap.................................. 1-41
Child safety ..................................................... 1-27
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-5
Chimes, Audible reminders............................. 2-13
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-24
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-3
Clock ............................................................... 2-23
Clutch fluid ...................................................... 8-11
Coat fook (Coupe) .......................................... 2-30
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-23
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .......... 4-15
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-34
Compass display .............................................. 2-6
Console box .................................................... 2-28
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-3
Steering audio control ............................... 4-17
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids .......................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-15
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-26 D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-19
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ............................................. 2-16
Dehumidified defrosting or defogging ............... 4-4
Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-8
Door open warning light ................................. 2-10
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-14
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-23
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-5, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-17
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids .......................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ..................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine block heater .................................. 5-24
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5 Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-10
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your vehicle overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-10
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-16
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-20
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ............. 8-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-11
Brake fluid ................................................. 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids .......................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-10
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
FM-AM-satellite radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer........................... 4-11
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-20
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-17
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
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Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-36
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ........................................... 2-9, 2-11
Xenon headlights ..................................... 2-17
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-26
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-3
Glove box lock........................................... 2-27
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever........................ 3-10
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
Chassis and body...................................... 9-10
Emission control system ........................... 9-10
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 9-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle...................................... 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-32
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Map light ......................................................... 2-35
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ............. 3-17
Outside mirror control................................ 3-18
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-18 N
Net
Cargo net................................................... 2-29
Small cargo net (Sedan for Canada) ........ 2-30
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-17
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-13
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids .......................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil and filter ..................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-18
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-18
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-18
Parking brake check.................................. 5-14
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-14
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-18
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ....................... 4-18
Pocket (Manual transmission model) ............. 2-25 Power
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Power front seat adjustment ....................... 1-4
Power outlet .............................................. 2-23
Power steering fluid................................... 8-10
Power steering system .............................. 5-19
Power windows ......................................... 2-31
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-22
Precautions
Audio operation precautions ....................... 4-8
Braking precautions................................... 5-19
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-15
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-33
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-25
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................................... 1-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-18
FM-AM radio operation ............................. 4-11
Satellite radio antenna .............................. 4-18
Satellite radio operation ............................ 4-12
Satellite radio reception............................... 4-8
Steering audio control ............................... 4-17
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-21
Rear armrest pocket ....................................... 2-29
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-5
Rear personal light ......................................... 2-36
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