brake fluid INFINITI G-COUPE 2012 Owners Manual

0-14Illustrated table of contents
SDI2709
VQ25HR/VQ37VHR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-24)
2. Battery (P.8-17)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-11)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-15)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Trans-mission models) (P.8-15)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-16)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
8. Air cleaner (P.8-21) 9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
10. Drive belts (P.8-19)
11. Coolant reservoir (P.8-9)
12. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ37VHR
engine model) (P.8-11)
13. Engine oil dipstick (for VQ25HR en- gine model) (P.8-11)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT

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 2seconds):
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-
51).)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
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
fluid is necessary, add fluid and have
the system checked by your INFINITI
retailer. (See “Brake and clutch fluid”
(P.8-15).)
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
Instruments and controls2-13

2-14Instruments and controls
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.
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
“Engine oil” (P.8-11).)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not covered
by warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as
it is safe to do so.
4 Wheel Active Steer (4WAS)
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 4 Wheel Active Steer
(4WAS) portion of the steering system.
Push the ignition switch to the OFF position
and then to the ON position. If the light
does not turn off after cycling the engine,
have the system checked by an INFINITI
retailer.
For further information about the 4 Wheel
Active Steer system, see “4 Wheel Active
Steer (4WAS) system” (P.5-57).
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the 4
Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) function will
cease but driving can be continued. How-
ever, the steering wheel is slightly turned

2-16Instruments and controls
WARNING
.If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch pushed ON, have the
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
. If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. .
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 remain on after the 1
minute. Contact your INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
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.
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/trunk open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
. Check tire pressure warning
See “Dot matrix liquid crystal display” (P.2-
20).
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, 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
system is malfunctioning. Although the
vehicle is still driveable under normal
conditions, have the vehicle checked at
an INFINITI retailer.

8. Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models)
This indicator means that the engine will
start by pushing the ignition switch with
the clutch pedal depressed.
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”
(P.8-16).)
12. Door/trunk open warning (igni-
tion switch is in the ON position)
This warning appears if any of the doors and/or the trunk lid are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which
door or the trunk lid is open on the display.
13. 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
door” (P.3-23).)
14. Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire
pressure warning light in the meter illumi-
nates to indicate the low tire pressure. If
this warning appears, stop the vehicle and
adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. (See
“Low tire pressure warning light” (P.2-15)
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” (P.5-4).)
15.“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” (P.2-26).)
16. Low outside temperature warn-
ing
This warning appears if the outside tem-
perature is below 378F(3 8C). The warning
can be set not to be displayed. (See “Trip
computer” (P.2-26).)
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
disappears. When the cruise control main
switch indicator is displayed, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator:
The indicator is displayed while the vehicle
speed is controlled by the cruise control
system. If the indicator blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate that the
cruise control system is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked by an
INFINITI retailer.
See“Cruise control” (P.5-21) for details.
Instruments and controls2-23

5-12Starting and driving
SSD0768
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGE
If the battery of the Intelligent Key is
almost discharged, the guide light
*Bof
the Intelligent Key port
*Ablinks and the
indicator appears on the dot matrix liquid
crystal display. (See “Dot matrix liquid
crystal display” (P.2-20).)
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.8-26).)
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).)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

5-54Starting and driving
How to handle the sensor
The sensor for the Preview Function is
common with Intelligent Cruise Control and
is located below the front bumper.
To keep the Preview Function operating
properly, be sure to observe the following:
.Always keep the sensor clean. Wipe
with a soft cloth carefully so as not to
damage the sensor.
. Do not strike or damage the areas
around the sensor. Do not touch or
remove the screw located on the
sensor. Doing so could cause failure
or malfunction. If the sensor is da-
maged due to an accident, contact an
INFINITI retailer.
. Do not attach a sticker (including
transparent material) or install an
accessory near the sensor. This could
cause failure or malfunction.
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-
14) of this manual.
—For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-33) 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.

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

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 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) 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

8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if gasoline 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
those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see “Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
.
Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. For manual transmission mod-
els, move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission models,
move the selector lever to P (Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
. If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
. Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel tank and the
battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and
the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS