power steering INFINITI EX 2013 Owner's Manual

—Horn (P.2-40)
— Driver supplemental air bag
(P.1-37)
15. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)
—Cruise control switches (P.5-34)
— Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
switches (if so equipped) (P.5-36)
— Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
switch (if so equipped) (P.5-19)
— Distance Control Assist (DCA)
switch (if so equipped) (P.5-59)
16. Center-console-mounted controls —Heated seat switches
(if so equipped) (P.2-40)
— Rear seat power return switches
(if so equipped) (P.1-4)
— SNOW mode switch (P.2-42)
Illustrated table of contents0-7

0-10Illustrated table of contents
SSI0388
VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
2. Battery (P.8-15)
3. Radiator filler cap (P.8-8)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-10)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
(P.8-14)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
9. Air cleaner (P.8-19)
10. Drive belts (P.8-17) 11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

2-4Instruments and controls
14. Steering wheel—Horn (P.2-40)
— Driver supplemental air bag
(P.1-37)
15. Steering-wheel-mounted controls (right side)
—Cruise control switches (P.5-34)
— Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
switches (if so equipped) (P.5-36)
— Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
switch (if so equipped) (P.5-19)
— Distance Control Assist (DCA)
switch (if so equipped) (P.5-59)
16. Center-console-mounted controls —Heated seat switches
(if so equipped) (P.2-40)
— Rear seat power return switches
(if so equipped) (P.1-4)
— SNOW mode switch (P.2-42)

Initialize entry/exit function
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if
the fuse opens, the entry/exit function will
not work though this function was set on
before. In such a case, after connecting the
battery or replacing with a new fuse, open
and close the driver’s door more than two
times after the ignition switch is turned
from the ON position to the LOCK position.
The entry/exit function will be activated.
SPA2469
SEAT SYNCHRONIZATION FUNCTION
The seat synchronization function automa-
tically adjusts the positions of the steering
wheel and outside mirrors when the seat is
adjusted using the power seat switches.
However, the steering wheel and outside
mirrors will not move if the seat is adjusted
over the maximum thresholds. The system
considers that the steering wheel and
outside mirror adjustments are not neces-
sary because the seat may not be adjusted
for the driving position. Note that the
function is set to disabled as the factory
default setting. The seat synchronization function operates
under the following conditions:
.
The ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion.
. The selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the outside mirrors or the steering wheel
reaches its maximum adjustment, the
function is automatically disabled. Restart
the function by selecting a previously
stored seat memory position using the
memory switches (1 or 2). An Intelligent
Key that was previously linked to the
stored seat memory can also be used to
restart the function.
If a seat position was not previously stored
in the seat memory, restart the function by
adjusting the steering wheel and outside
mirrors manually for your best driving
position and then drive the vehicle above
4 MPH (7 km/h).
Cancel or activate seat synchroni-
zation function
The selector lever must be in the P (Park)
position with the ignition switch in the ACC
position.
The seat synchronization function can be
activated or canceled by pushing and
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27

Conventional (fixed speed) cruise
control mode ................................................. 5-55
Preview function (for Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ............................. 5-58
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-59 Precautions on Distance Control
Assist system ................................................ 5-59
Distance Control Assist operation .................. 5-61
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-71
Precautions on FCW system ........................... 5-72
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system (if
so equipped) ..................................................... 5-74
Precautions on IBA system ............................ 5-75
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-78
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-78
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped) .............. 5-79
Parking/parking on hills .................................... 5-80
Power steering................................................... 5-81 Brake system .................................................... 5-81
Braking precautions ..................................... 5-81
Parking brake break-in................................. 5-82
Brake assist ...................................................... 5-82
Brake assist................................................. 5-82
Preview function (Intelligent Cruise Control
system equipped models) ............................ 5-82
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-85
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............. 5-86
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-88 Freeing a frozen door lock ........................... 5-88
Antifreeze .................................................... 5-88
Battery......................................................... 5-88
Draining of coolant water............................. 5-88
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-88
Special winter equipment ............................ 5-88
Driving on snow or ice ................................. 5-89
Engine block heater (if so equipped)............ 5-89

2. Move the selector lever to the P (Park)position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into the street when parked on a
sloping drive way, it is a good practice
to turn the wheels as illustrated.
.HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:*1
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:*2
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NOCURB:
*3
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move
away from the center of the road if it
moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
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 hy-
draulic 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, especially in sharp turns and at
low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed
slowly. This is not a malfunction and
indicates that the brake assist mechanism
is operating properly.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and the stopping distance
will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly
and firmly, you may hear a clicking noise
and feel a slight pulsation. This is normal
and indicates that the Brake Assist System
is operating.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one side
Starting and driving5-81
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM

5-86Starting and driving
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. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver
inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, 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 func-
tion).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due
to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
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
warning 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) warn-
ing light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically 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
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM

speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run
the engine at a fast idle (approximately
1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge
indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the
radiator before opening the hood. (If
steam or coolant is escaping, turn off
the engine.) Do not open the hood
further until no steam or coolant can be
seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and
radiator should not leak water. If cool-
ant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the reservoir tank with
the engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir tank if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired at the nearest INFINITI
retailer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Pro-
vincial 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 applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, INFINITI recommends that
you have a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions.
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 trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
In case of emergency6-11
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement .................................... 8-2Scheduled 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 ................... 8-7 VQ37VHR engine ............................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ......................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level............................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-12
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-13
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
Battery .............................................................. 8-15
Jump starting ................................................ 8-16
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-17
Drive belts ......................................................... 8-17 Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-18
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-20 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-20
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 ................... 8-24
Lights................................................................ 8-26 Headlights ................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-30 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-30
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-34
Types of tires............................................... 8-36
Tire chains ................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-37

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
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).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines. Vehicles operated in high tempera- tures or under severe condition require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the
brake fluid level is between the MAX and
MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt
is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
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, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if fuel fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold,
with the engine off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
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, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as