engine overheat INFINITI G-CONVERTIBLE 2012 Owners Manual

2-8Instruments and controls
SIC4290
TACHOMETERGUID-31F47AB3-089B-4F11-98B9-D33B93C2EE0FThe tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (RPM).Do not rev
the engine into the red zone
*1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear or reduce engine
speed. Operating the engine in the red zone
may cause serious engine damage.
SIC4291
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
GUID-F7FF1C42-B04D-447F-9A4A-F307FF0CD0E8The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature is within
the normal range when the gauge needle
points within the zone
*1shown in the
illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature near the hot (H) end of the
normal range, reduce vehicle speed to
decrease temperature. If gauge is over the
normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is overheated,
continued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” (P.6-16) for immediate
action required.

GUID-8B0A3392-90EF-49C4-8FB3-1F12F07F6C36
WARNING
Do not use or allow occupants to use the
seat heater if you or the occupants cannot
monitor elevated seat temperatures or have
an inability to feel pain in those body parts
in contact with the seat. Use of the seat
heater by such people could result in
serious injury.
CAUTION
.The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
. Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
. Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the
seat may become overheated.
. Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater. .
Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
. When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, thinner, or any similar materi-
als.
. If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by an INFINITI retailer.
SSS0911
The front seats are warmed by built-in
heaters. The switches located on the center
console can be operated independently of
each other.
1. Start the engine.
2. Turn the control knob
*Ato the right*1and select the desired heat range..For high heat, turn the knob to the
right
*1..For low heat, turn the knob to the left
*2..The indicator light*Bwill illuminate
when the heater is on.
3. To turn off the heater, return the knob
Instruments and controls2-39
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)

insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the
seat may become overheated.
. Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
climate controlled seat.
. Any liquid spilled on the seat should be
removed immediately with a dry cloth.
. The climate controlled seat has air
filters. Do not operate the climate con-
trolled seat without the air filters. This
may result in damage to the system.
. When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, thinner, or any similar materi-
als.
. If any malfunctions are found or the
climate controlled seat does not operate,
turn the switch off and have the system
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
GUID-584B657A-0F37-4350-8866-F1158281D142
JVS0022X
The vehicle should be driven with the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system on
for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
VDC system reduces the engine output to
reduce wheel spin. The engine speed will
be reduced even if the accelerator is
depressed to the floor. If maximum engine
power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC
OFF switch. The
indicator will illumi-
nate.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine to turn on the system. (See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P.5-54).)
Instruments and controls2-41
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) OFF
SWITCH

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDEGUID-F9A5D279-AD24-4D4F-A081-2340F4A8380EIf the retractable hard top stops halfway during operation or does not operate normally, follow the procedures shown in the following
table. If the procedures in the following table do not solve the symptom, immediately contact INFINITI retailer for the inspection.
SymptomBeepPossible cause Possible solution
The OPEN side of the retractable hard top
operating switch is pushed, but the
retractable hard top does not operate. Sounds twice
The OPEN side of the retractable hard top operating
switch is pushed while the retractable hard top is
fully open, or the CLOSE side of the retractable
hard top operating switch is pushed while the
retractable hard top is fully closed. Push the CLOSE side of the retractable hard top
operating switch when the retractable hard top is
fully open. Push the OPEN side of the retractable
hard top operating switch when the retractable hard
top is fully closed.
Sounds twice The selector lever (automatic transmission models
only) or the shift lever (manual transmission
models only) is in the R (Reverse) position. Shift the selector lever (automatic transmission
models only) to the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position, or
shift the shift lever (manual transmission model only)
to the N (Neutral) position, and then operate the
retractable hard top.
Sounds twice The trunk lid is opened. Fully close the trunk lid.
Does not sound The battery voltage is low. Start the engine again and operate the retractable
hard top.
Sounds twice The separator in the trunk room is not correctly set. Set the separator correctly. For details, refer to
“Separator”
(P.3-21).
Does not sound The retractable hard top is in the deactivation
mode in order to avoid motor overheating by the
continuous operation of the retractable hard top. Wait for approximately 20 minutes without operating
the retractable hard top and then operate the
retractable hard top.
The retractable hard top stops halfway
during operation. Sounds twice
Objects are trapped in the moving structure of the
retractable hard top. Check that an object is not trapped inside the rear
parcel shelf, side flap and retractable hard top. After
the check, turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position, start the engine again and then operate the
retractable hard top.
Does not sound The battery voltage is low. Start the engine again and operate the retractable
hard top.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27

5-4Starting and driving
THREE-WAY CATALYSTGUID-95568F2F-49DE-4B7D-A515-B5B67DEDCB70The three-way catalyst is an emission
control device installed in the exhaust
system. Exhaust gases in the three-way
catalyst are burned at high temperatures to
help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
.The exhaust gas and the exhaust system
are very hot. Keep people, animals or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
. Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite and
cause a fire.
CAUTION
.Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously reduce
the three-way catalyst’s ability to help
reduce exhaust pollutants.
. Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunctions
in the ignition, fuel injection, or elec-
trical systems can cause overrich fuel flow into the three-way catalyst, causing
it to overheat. Do not keep driving if the
engine misfires, or if noticeable loss of
performance or other unusual operating
conditions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected promptly by an INFINITI retai-
ler.
. Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
. Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
. Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYS-
TEM (TPMS)
GUID-AE064E79-B7BC-43E8-A59C-8E37C2FE1CECEach tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check all 4 tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction,
the telltale will flash for approximately one

5-50Starting and driving
GUID-B50FAB06-8209-43C1-BD38-DA20F3688BF7
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSGUID-303F7865-3EEE-42BE-875A-2373C76593B9The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brakesGUID-FB3BB3B2-604D-4649-8638-2E41A80E1853The 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 brakesGUID-435B5EB3-1F68-4B06-9333-CD2462DA6490When 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
during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving thevehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-INGUID-837DE698-6E89-4ED2-965C-C45C0822EC96Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
an INFINITI retailer.
Using the brakesGUID-798BCC8C-1840-436E-B736-D4D16F071B12Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This will cause overheating
of the brakes, wearing out the brake and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed
and downshift to a lower gear before going
down a slope or long grade. Overheated
brakes may reduce braking performance
and could result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
.
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
BRAKE SYSTEM

6 In case of emergency
Roadside assistance program...
.............................. 6-2
Emergency engine shut off ...
.................................. 6-2
Flat tire ...
................................................................ 6-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...
.......... 6-2
Changing flat tire (for models with spare tire) ...
.... 6-3
Repairing flat tire (for models with emergency
tire puncture repair kit) ...
................................... 6-8 Jump starting
...
.................................................... 6-13
Push starting ...
.................................................... 6-15
If your vehicle overheats ...
................................... 6-16
Towing your vehicle ...
.......................................... 6-17
Towing recommended by INFINITI ...
................. 6-18
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ...
.... 6-19

6-16In case of emergency
GUID-ACE17335-4E03-448D-9AFB-B5A07B6F0C0C
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
. To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator cap
is removed, pressurized hot water will
spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is coming
out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake.
2. Automatic Transmission model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Do not stop the engine.
3. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
7. Visually check the drive belt 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.
8. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir with the
engine running. Add coolant to the
reservoir if necessary. Have your vehi-
cle 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).
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
GUID-EE54D4F6-5F4A-4B0F-A147-7A9330E7ABCFThe 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.6-16) 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.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

SDI2043
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVELGUID-DA7D7105-DC17-4713-B231-B4FA68BFD877Check the coolant levelin the reservoir
tank when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
*2, open the
reservoir tank cap and add coolant up to
the MAX level
*1. 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 frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTGUID-448B6596-5480-4B35-8757-8FBCB36BF623Major 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 the reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9