engine coolant INFINITI G 2012 User Guide

Black plate (379,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
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.ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (for Canada
only)
GUID-57C14237-474B-4E2F-8C23-788BAC9DC9B0Engine block heaters are used to assist in
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 208F
(−78C) or lower.
To use the engine block heaterGUID-DCD15CC7-8B8D-45F0-802F-80EFDBCBADD51. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine
block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be
plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours,
depending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
WARNING
. Do not use your engine block heater with
an ungrounded electrical system or a 2-
pronged adapter. You can be seriously
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
. Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
. Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the proper
extension cord or a grounded outlet can
result in a fire or electrical shock and
cause serious personal injury.
Starting and driving5-59

Black plate (391,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to
maximum hot and fan control to high
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 the
coolant 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.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is avail-
able. Please see your Warranty Information
Booklet or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card
for the toll-free number to call (U.S.) or
Warranty & Roadside Assistance Informa-
tion Booklet (Canada).
GUID-EFD3ED0D-F0D8-4E16-A86F-75D73E7484FAWhen 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

Black plate (407,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement...
.................................... 8-3
Scheduled maintenance ...
.................................. 8-3
General maintenance ...
....................................... 8-3
Where to go for service ...
................................... 8-3
General maintenance ...
........................................... 8-4
Explanation of maintenance items ...
................... 8-4
Maintenance precautions ...
..................................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ...
................... 8-8
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR engine ...
............................... 8-8
Engine cooling system ...
......................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ...
....................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ...
............................... 8-10
Engine oil ...
.......................................................... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ...
............................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ...
....................... 8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ...
............................. 8-14
Power steering fluid ...
........................................... 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ...
....................................... 8-15
Brake fluid ...
.................................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ...
.......................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ...
......................................... 8-16 Battery
...
.............................................................. 8-17
Coupe ...
.......................................................... 8-17
Sedan and coupe ...
......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ...
............................................... 8-18
Variable voltage control system ...
......................... 8-19
Drive belts ...
........................................................ 8-19
Spark plugs ...
...................................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ...
................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ...
........................................................ 8-21
Windshield wiper blades ...
................................... 8-22
Cleaning ...
...................................................... 8-22
Replacing ...
..................................................... 8-22
Brakes ...
.............................................................. 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes ...
................................... 8-23
Brake pad wear warning ...
.............................. 8-23
Fuses ...
................................................................ 8-24
Engine compartment ...
.................................... 8-24
Passenger compartment ...
............................... 8-25
Intelligent Key battery replacement ...
................... 8-26

Black plate (411,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
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) 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 vehicleGUID-29B64B94-E77F-40DC-A4B2-6B5D542860EDThe 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) 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

Black plate (413,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
.The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an INFINITI retailer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, coolant, and/or other vehicle fluids
can damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for disposal
of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section gives instructions regarding only
those items which are relatively easy for an
owner to perform.
A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.9-28).)
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and could affect your warranty coverage.
If in
doubt about any servicing, we recommend
that it be done by an INFINITI retailer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

Black plate (414,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-AFE9B83F-FA8B-4F31-955F-26554D8ED4E6
SDI2709
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINEGUID-7476C613-7968-488E-A6AE-1408D693BF3B1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission models)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Air cleaner
9. Radiator filler cap 10. Drive belts
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12.
Engine oil dipstick (for VQ37VHR
engine model)
13. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ25HR en- gine model)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

Black plate (415,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
GUID-5C044D87-071E-4DD5-85C9-155F3106646BThe engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50%
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Cool-
ant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-
round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The antifreeze solution contains rust and
corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNING
.Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused by
high pressure fluid escaping from the
radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” (P.6-10) of this man-
ual.
. The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
radiator cap.
CAUTION
.Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause
damage to the engine, transmission
and/or cooling system.
. When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equiva-
lent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-
freeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted to
provide antifreeze protection to −348F
(−378C). If additional freeze protection is
needed due to weather where you
operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the direc-
tions on the container. If an equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used,
follow the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to −348F (−378C). The
use of other types of coolant solutions
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling system. .
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue), including
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (green), or the use of non-
distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
Refer to the INFINITI Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

Black plate (416,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2043
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELGUID-0A58561D-6ED8-4332-9DEB-68F0F2BD40A6Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below MIN
*2, open the reservoir
tank cap and add coolant up to the MAX
*1
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiator when the
engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level
*1.
Tighten the cap securely after adding
engine coolant. If the cooling system requires coolant
frequently, have it checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTGUID-5414AC03-7904-49CD-BD61-168CF59A9756Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by an INFINITI retailer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.

Black plate (422,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-9300F307-19B1-4EC9-B93C-3421C155DC4A
SDI2027
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out
of the reach of children.
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add window washer fluid
when the low window washer fluid warning
light comes on.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir tank and pour
the window washer fluid into the tank
opening.Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mixture
ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of window washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
.
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution. This
may result in damage to the paint.
. Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
. Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank. Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concentrate
and water.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID

Black plate (452,1)
[ Edit: 2012/ 1/ 17 Model: V36-D ]
9-2Technical and consumer information
GUID-83DC73A1-0226-4579-85B6-0002CD56C740The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 See “Fuel recommendation”(P.9-4).
Engine oil (VQ37VHR)*1
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2*3
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt4-3/8 qt 4.9
Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt4 qt4.6
Engine oil (VQ25HR)*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 5 qt4-1/8 qt 4.7
Without oil filter change 4-5/8 qt3-7/8 qt 4.4
Cooling system (VQ37VHR)
Automatic transmission
model With reservoir
9 qt7-1/2 qt 8.5
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
Reservoir
7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Manual transmission model With reservoir
9-1/8 qt7-5/8 qt 8.6
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Cooling system (VQ25HR)
AWD With reservoir
9-1/4 qt7-3/4 qt 8.8
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
2WD With reservoir
8-3/4 qt7-1/4 qt 8.3
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid ———Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Manual transmission gear oil ———Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil ———For 7A/T 2WD models:
API GL-5 Synthetic Gear Oil Viscosity SAE 75W-90*6
All other models:
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5, Viscosity SAE
80W-90*5
Transfer fluid ———Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*7
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS