steering wheel INFINITI EX 2011 Repair Manual

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
●Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip
on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver main-
tain control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC warn-
ing light
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 “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instru-
ment panel. The VDC system automatically
turns off.
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 VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off, and the VDC warning light
will not flash. The VDC system is auto-
matically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the on
position. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section.
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 improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-82Starting and driving

WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates 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 failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the light still illumi-
nates 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. ●
Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from
traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely ap-
plied and the automatic transmission is in
the P (Park) position.
● Never change tires when the vehicle is on a
slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for professional
road assistance.
In case of emergency6-3

WARNING
Always follow the instructions below. Failure to
do so could result in damage to the charging
system and cause personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle
A, position the two vehicles (AandB)
to bring their batteries into close proxim-
ity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec- tor lever to the P (Park) position. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(light, heater, air conditioner, etc.). 3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
Cto reduce explo-
sion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
1→2→3→4).
For models with a steering wheel lock
mechanism: 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 disengaging 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.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicleA
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. 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.
7. After starting your engine, carefully dis- connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable (
4→3→2→1).
SCE0734
In case of emergency6-9

●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. For models with a
steering wheel lock mechanism: Never se-
cure the steering wheel by selecting the
LOCK position. This may damage the steer-
ing lock mechanism.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or the vehicle be
placed on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow AWD models with any of the wheels
on the ground as this may cause serious and
expensive damage to the powertrain.
All-wheel drive models
SCE0488
In case of emergency6-13

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.
In case of emergency6-15

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
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-8
Automatic transmission fluid .......................8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-14
Variable voltage control system ...................8-15
Drive belts ....................................... 8-15Spark plugs
..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-17
Cleaning ...................................... 8-17
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-21
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................8-22
Lights ........................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Exterior

and interior lights ..................... 8-26
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
Tire pressure .................................. 8-28
Tire labeling .................................. 8-31
Types of tires ................................. 8-33
Tire chains ................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-35

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
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
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If nec-
essary, adjust the pressure in all tires, includ-
ing the spare, to the pressure specified. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) trans-
mitter components: Replace the TPMS transmit-
ter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the
tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Tire, 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 periodic 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) mechanism: 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. Brake pedal:
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down
further than normal, the pedal feels spongy or
the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see an
INFINITI retailer immediately. 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 opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs ad-
justed, see an INFINITI retailer.
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 web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
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
restraint/headrest moves up and down
smoothly and that the locks (if so equipped)
hold securely in all latched positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the steer-
ing conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

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

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

Outside mirrors.............. .3-23
Vanity mirror ................ .3-24
Monitor, Rearview monitor ...........4-22
Moonroof .................... .2-52
N
New vehicle break-in .............. .5-73
No key warning ................. .2-23
O
Odometer ..................... .2-6
Off-road recovery ................ .5-6
Oil Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-8
Engine oil .................. .8-8
Engine oil viscosity ............. .9-5
Oil filter replacement indicator .......2-26
Operation, Indicators for operation ......2-23
Outside air temperature .............2-28
Outside mirrors ................ .3-23
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......6-10
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................... .9-21
P
Panic alarm ................... .3-14
Parking Brake break-in ............... .5-77Parking brake operation
...........5-16
Parking brake release warning .......2-24
Parking on hills .............. .5-76
Personal lights ................. .2-55
Phone Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) ......4-93
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) . . .4-103
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-92
Power Front seat adjustment .............1-2
Power door lock ............... .3-4
Power outlet ................ .2-44
Power

steering fluid .............8-11
Power steering system ............5-77
Power windows ............... .2-50
Precautions All-wheel drive (AWD) driving safety .....5-7
Audio operation .............. .4-48
Braking precautions .............5-77
Child restraints ............... .1-21
Cruise control ................ .5-32
Lane departure warning (LDW) system . . .5-18
Maintenance ................. .8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving ......5-5
Seat belt usage ............... .1-12
Supplemental restraint system .......1-37
When starting and driving ..........5-2
Preview function ................ .5-78
Preview function (for Intelligent cruise
control system) ................. .5-54
Preview Function warning light .........2-16
Push starting .................. .6-10
Push-button ignition switch .........5-8, 5-9 R
Radio ...................... .4-48
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-92
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player .................... .4-62
Rapid air pressure loss ..............5-6
Readiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) test .................... .9-20
Rear center seat belt .............. .1-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock. . .3-6
Rear seats .................... .1-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ...................... .2-34
Rear window wiper blades ...........8-19
Rearview monitor ............... .4-22
Recorders, Event data ..............9-21
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system ..........3-13
Reporting safety defects .............9-19
Roadside assistance program . . . .......6-2
Rollover ...................... .5-5
Roof Moonroof .................. .2-53
Roof

rack.................. .2-50
S
Safety, Child seat belts .............1-19
Satellite radio operation ............4-63
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .........1-2
Front seats .................. .1-2
Seat belt(s) Child safety ................. .1-19
10-5