brake fluid INFINITI EX 2011 Owners Manual

VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P. 8-20)
2. Battery (P. 8-13)
3. Radiator filler cap (P. 8-6)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
9. Air cleaner (P. 8-16)
10. Drive belts (P. 8-15)
11. Coolant reservoir (P. 8-6)
SSI0388
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
0-10Illustrated table of contents

Warninglight Name Page
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)* 2-12
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light2-12
Automatic Transmission (AT)
check warning light 2-13
Brake warning light
2-13
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) sys-
tem warning light (orange)*2-13
Charge warning light
2-13
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light (orange)*2-14
Engine oil pressure warning
light2-14
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
system warning light (orange)*2-14
Warning
light Name Page
Intelligent Key system warning
light 2-14
Lane departure warning light
(orange)*2-14
Low tire pressure warning light 2-15
Low washer fluid warning light 2-16
Master warning light
2-16
Preview Function warning light
(orange)*2-16
Seat belt warning light
2-16
Supplemental air bag warning
light2-16
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light 2-17
Indica-
tor light Name Page
Adaptive Front lighting System
(AFS) indicator light 2-17
Indica-
tor light Name Page
Automatic Transmission (AT)
position indicator light 2-17
Front fog light indicator light 2-18
Front passenger air bag status
light2-18
High beam indicator light
2-18
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off
indicator light*2-18
Lane Departure Prevention
(LDP) ON indicator light
(green)*2-18
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
2-18
Security indicator light
2-19
Low beam indicator lights 2-19
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights2-19
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light2-19
*: if so equipped
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-11

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light (AWD
models)*Intelligent Key warning lightFront fog light indicator light
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
lightLane departure warning light (orange)*Front passenger air bag status light
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light
Automatic transmission check warning
lightLow washer fluid warning lightIntelligent Brake Assist (IBA) off indicator
light*
Brake warning lightMaster warning lightLane Departure Prevention (LDP) ON indi-
cator light (green)*
Preview Function warning light (orange)*Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system warn-
ing light (orange)*Seat belt warning lightSecurity indicator light
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightLow beam indicator light
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light (orange)*Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightAdaptive Front lighting System (AFS) indi-
cator light*Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indica-
tor light
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) system
warning light (orange)*Automatic transmission position indicator
light*: if so equipped
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-11

Automatic transmission
check warning light
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the transmission is not functioning
properly. Have your INFINITI retailer check and
repair the transmission.
orBrake warning
light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light :
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brakefluid as necessary. (See “BRAKE FLUID” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.) 2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning indica-
tor :
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working prop-
erly if the warning light is on. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive
carefully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the engine
stopped and/or low brake fluid level may
increase your stopping distance and braking
will require greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel. ●
If the brake fluid level is below the minimum
or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has been
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
system warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
If the light comes on in orange and remains on,
it may indicate that the BSW system is not
functioning properly. Although the vehicle is
still driveable, have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer. See “BLIND SPOT WARNING
(BSW) SYSTEM” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is run-
ning, it may indicate the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
an INFINITI retailer immediately.
Instruments and controls2-13

●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.
CAUTION
● The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular
tire pressure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less
than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS may not
operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of tires to
the four wheels correctly.
Low washer fluid warning
light
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. (See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.)
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of
the following are displayed on the dot matrix
liquid crystal display:
●
No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/lift gate open warning
● Loose fuel cap warning
● Check tire pressure warning
See “DOT MATRIX LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY”
later in this section.
Preview Function warning
light (orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction in
the Preview Braking system.
If the warning light comes on, park the vehicle
in a safe place. Turn the engine off, restart the
engine, resume driving and set the ICC system
again. If it is not possible to set the system or the
indicator stays on, it may indicate that the sys-
tem is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions, have the
vehicle checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion switch is pushed to the ON position, and
will remain illuminated until the driver’s seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
will sound for about 6 seconds unless the
driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light for the front passen-
ger will illuminate if the seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied.
For 5 seconds after the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
See “SEAT BELTS” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
After pushing the ignition switch to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
2-16Instruments and controls

SHIFT “P” warning→(Move the selector lever
to “P”) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
ON) →PUSH warning →(Push the ignition
switch →ignition switch position is turned to
OFF)
8. Intelligent Key battery discharge
indicator
This indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery
with a new one. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)
9. Parking brake release warning
This warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
10. Low fuel warning
This warning appears when the fuel level in the
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (E) position.
There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the
tank when the fuel gauge reaches the empty (E)
position.
11. Low washer fluid warning
This warning appears when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. (See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
12. Door/lift gate open warning
(ignition switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the lift gate are open or not closed securely. The
vehicle icon indicates which door or the lift gate
is open on the display.
13. “Time to rest” indicator
This indicator appears when the set “time to
rest” indicator activates. You can set the time
for up to 6 hours. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later
in this section.)
14. Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has
been refueled. (See “FUEL-FILLER CAP” in the
“3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion.)
15. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pres-
sure warning light in the meter illuminates and
low tire pressure is detected. If this warning
appears, stop the vehicle and adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. (See “Low tire pressure warning light”
earlier in this section and “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.)
16. Low outside temperature warning
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C). The warning can be set not
to be displayed. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in
this section.)
17. Cruise indicator
Cruise main switch indicator :
The indicator is displayed when the cruise
control main switch is pushed. When the main
switch is pushed again, the indicator disap-
pears. When the cruise control main switch
indicator is displayed, the cruise control system
is operational.
2-24Instruments and controls

NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY REPLACEMENT” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion.)
CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the OFF position. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section.)
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-tion. Depress the brake pedal and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
● If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
● If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5
or 6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the brake
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11

– For detailed information, see “WHEELSAND 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.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-81

●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 VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
● 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
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
● If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
● When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light
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 VDC
warning light
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 VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-83

TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very
cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to
drive on. The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
● Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction. ●
Allow more stopping distance under these
conditions. Braking should be started
sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the ex-
haust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-84Starting and driving