brake fluid INFINITI FX 2012 Owners Manual

0-10Illustrated table of contents
SDI2262
VQ35HR ENGINE1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-25)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-11)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
(P.8-16)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
9. Air cleaner (P.8-21) 10. Drive belts (P.8-19)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

SDI2264
VK50VE ENGINE1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-25)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
4. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
5. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-11)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
(P.8-16)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
9. Air cleaner (P.8-21) 10. Drive belt location (P.8-19)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
Illustrated table of contents0-11

WARNING LIGHTS
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) warning
light (AWD models)
Thewarning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to ON. It turns off
soon after the engine is started.
If the AWD system malfunctions, or the
diameter of the front and the rear wheels
are different, the warning light will either
remain illuminated or blink. (See “All-
Wheel Drive (AWD)” (P.5-75).)
CAUTION
.If the warning light comes on while
driving there may be a malfunction in
the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle checked by
an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
. If the AWD warning light blinks on when
you are driving:
—blinks rapidly (about twice a sec-
ond):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. The driving mode will
change to 2WD to prevent the AWD
system from malfunctioning. If the warning light turns off, you can drive
again.
—blinks slowly (about once every 2
seconds):
Pull off the road in a safe area, and
idle the engine. Check that all tire
sizes are the same, tire pressure is
correct and tires are not worn.
. If the warning light is still on after the
above operations, have your vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer as soon
as possible.
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then
turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while
the engine is running, or while driving, it
may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance. (See
“Brake system”(P.5-
78).)
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. If brake
Instruments and controls2-13

2-14Instruments and controls
fluid is necessary, add fluid and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer. (See“Brake fluid” (P.8-16).)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator: 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 illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not
functioning properly. Have the brake sys-
tem checked, and if necessary repaired, by
an INFINITI retailer promptly. (See “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-13).)
WARNING
. Your brake system may not be working
properly 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 dis-
tance 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.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, 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.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alternator belt
is loose, broken or missing.
Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system warning light (orange; if so
equipped)
This light comes on if there is a malfunc-
tion in the Distance Control Assist (DCA)
system.
If the warning light illuminates, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, resume driving and turn
on the DCA system again.
If it is not possible to turn on the system
or the warning light stays on, it may
indicate that the system is malfunctioning.
Although the vehicle is still driveable
under normal conditions, have the vehicle
checked at an INFINITI retailer.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure.
If the light flickers or comes on during
normal driving, pull off the road in a safe
area, stop the engine immediatelyand call
an INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. (See

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.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the master warning light illumi-
nates 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” (P.2-
21).
Preview Function warning light
(orange; if so equipped)
The light comes on if there is a malfunction
in the Brake Assist (with Preview Function)
system.
If the warning light comes on, park the
vehicle in a safe place. Turn the engine off,
restart the engine, then resume driving.
If it is not possible to set the ICC system or
the Preview Function warning light re-
mains on, it may indicate that the system
is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle is
still driveable under normal conditions,
have the vehicle checked at an INFINITI
retailer.
Rear Active Steer warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is a
malfunction with the Rear Active Steer
portion of the steering system. Have the
system checked by an INFINITI retailer.
For further information about the Rear
Active Steer system, see “Rear active steer
system” (P.5-85).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
Rear Active Steer function will cease but driving can be continued.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an INFINITI retailer for repair.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition 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
passenger will illuminate if the seat belt is
not fastened when the front passenger’s
seat is occupied. For about 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” (P.1-11) 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
light will illuminate. The supplemental air
Instruments and controls2-17

SSD0731
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
almost discharged, the guide light
*Aof
the Intelligent Key port blinks and the
indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display. (See “Dot matrix liquid
crystal display” (P.2-21).)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key
into the port
*1allows you to start the
engine. Make sure that the key ring side
faces backward as illustrated. Insert the
Intelligent Key in the port until it is latched
and secured. To remove the Intelligent Key from the port,
push the ignition switch to the OFF position
and pull the Intelligent Key out of the port.
NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge
the Intelligent 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” (P.8-27).)
CAUTION
.Never place anything except the Intelli-
gent Key in the Intelligent Key port.
Doing so may cause damage to the
equipment.
. Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the
correct direction when inserting it to the
Intelligent Key port. The engine may not
start if it is in the incorrect direction.
. Remove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent 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,
coolant, 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 appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires for
proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning/indica-
tor lights and audible reminders” (P.2-
12).)
Starting and driving5-13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

5-82Starting and driving
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
—When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
—When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and
type as specified on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See “Tireand loading information label”
(P.9-
13) of this manual.
—For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-32) of this
manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols 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 pre-
venting 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
pressure, 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, elec-
tric 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 pulsa-
tion 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 operates 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.

5-86Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. 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 prohi-
bit 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”(P.8-39) of this manual.
For all-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern 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
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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 cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating 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
slippery 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 steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on slippery
roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around 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 ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VQ35HR engine ............................................... 8-7
VK50VE engine ................................................ 8-8
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-9 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-11
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-11 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-12Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-15
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-15
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-16 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-16
Battery .............................................................. 8-17 Jump starting ................................................ 8-19
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-19 Drive Belts ........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-21
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-22 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-22
Replacing..................................................... 8-23
Rear window wiper blades ................................ 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-24 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-24
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-24
Fuses ................................................................ 8-25 Engine compartment .................................... 8-25
Passenger compartment............................... 8-26
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-27
Lights................................................................ 8-29
Headlights ................................................... 8-30
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-30
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-32 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-32
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-36
Types of tires............................................... 8-38
Tire chains ................................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-39

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: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
operation. 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
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing 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 restraints move 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.
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”
(P.5-3) 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