brake INFINITI G35 2003 Owner's Manual

slippery surface. The brake LSD system
brakes the spinning wheel which distributes
the driving power to the other drive wheel. If
the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynam-
ics control system turned off, all VDC and TCS
functions will be turned off. The brake LSD
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. If the brake LSD system or the ABS
is activated, the slip indicator light will blink and
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, 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.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test
occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal
and is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNINGO The vehicle dynamics control system
is designed to help improve driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
O If suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamics control off indicator
light may come on.
O When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamics control
system may not operate properly or
the vehicle dynamics control off indi-
cator light may come on. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
O If the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamics control system may not op-
erate properly or the vehicle dynam- ics control off indicator light may
come on.
O The vehicle dynamics control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
5-22 Starting and driving
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carried in the vehicle during winter:
O a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
O a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
O a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
O extra window washer fluid to refill the res-
ervoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNINGO Wet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
O Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.
O Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
O Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
O 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
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
O Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
O Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped) An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through your
INFINITI retailer. WARNING Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
5-24 Starting and driving
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Every new INFINITI comes with a 4 year,
unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance plan.
In the event of a roadside emergency,
Roadside Assistance Service is available to
you. Please refer to your Warranty Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside assistance
information booklet (Canada) for details. Both
the Warranty Booklet and Roadside
Assistance Calling Card in your Owner's
Literature Portfolio provide the Toll-Free
Number to call for assistance. Roadside
Assistance is provided 24 hours a day, 365
days a year, for 4 years from the date sold to
give emergency roadside help, in the event of
mechanical or nonmechanical trouble(s) such
as flat tires, out-of-gas, dead battery, lost
keys, mechanical breakdown, accident, etc. CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse) position (automatic
transmission in P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING O Make sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re- verse), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).
O Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
O Never change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
6-2 In case of emergency
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Installing the spare tire 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight.
(Coupe models)
When replacing a front tire, make sure the
hole in the spare tire wheel is aligned with
the pin on the brake rotor.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly until they are
tight. 4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence as illustrated.
WARNING O Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
O Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
As soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N z m)
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the inside of the rear left
door opening (Sedan), the driver side cen-
ter pillar (Coupe).
WARNING Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).SCE0039
6-6 In case of emergency
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O The booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
O Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
O Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
If needed Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-
free number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada).
WARNING Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position (On automatic
transmission models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated. SCE0426
6-8 In case of emergency
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WARNINGO Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
O To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
O 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 and move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi- tioner 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. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine. WARNING O Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
O The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
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 re-
paired at the nearest INFINITI retailer.
If needed, Roadside Assistance is available.
Please see your Warranty Information Booklet
or Roadside Assistance I.D. Card for the toll-
free number to call (U.S.) or Warranty & Road-
side assistance information booklet (Canada).IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10 In case of emergency
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CAUTIONO Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission.
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the rear
wheels.
O When towing rear wheel drive models
with the front wheels on the ground
or on towing dollies:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF posi-
tion, and secure the steering wheel in
a straight ahead position with a rope
or similar device. Never secure the
steering wheel by turning the ignition
key to the LOCK position. This may
damage the steering lock mecha-
nism.
O If you have to tow manual transmis-
sion models with the rear wheels on
the ground or four wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing
dollies): O Always release the parking brake.
O Move the transmission shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position.
O Observe the following restricted tow-
ing speeds and distances for manual
transmission models only:
O Speed: Below 60 MPH (95 km/h)
O Distance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
If the speed or distance must necessarily be
greater, remove the propeller shaft before tow-
ing to prevent damage to the transmission.SCE0387
6-12 In case of emergency
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VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle) After removing the front license plate (or the
bumper cover), securely install the towing
hook
j 1
. (Located with jacking tools.)
Reinstall the license plate on the lower fitting
point.
WARNING O Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
O Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat and
be damaged. CAUTION O Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the main structural
members of the vehicle.
O Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull on the vehicle at an angle.
O Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
O Pulling devices such as ropes or can-
vas straps are not recommended for
use in vehicle towing or recovery.SCE0396A SCE0427
In case of emergency
6-13
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MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION: O The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
O Damage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION:
Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry com-
pletely inside the vehicle, and should be re-
moved for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing and
where atmospheric pollution exists and road
salt is used. Temperature A temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.
Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt
will also accelerate the disintegration of paint
surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION: O Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
O Always check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
O Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
O Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible. CAUTION O NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or
broom.
O Never allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic com-
ponents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corro-
sion and deterioration of underbody compo-
nents such as the exhaust system, fuel and
brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fend-
ers.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and cor-
rosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult your local INFINITI retailer.CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care
7-5
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8 Do-it-yourself Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level ..................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil and filter .............................. 8-8
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-11
Brake fluid .......................................................... 8-11
Clutch fluid.......................................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Jump starting ...................................................... 8-14
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-14
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-15
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-16
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-16
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-16
Replacing............................................................ 8-17 Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-18
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-18
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-18
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-19
Fuses....................................................................... 8-20
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-21
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-21
Lights ....................................................................... 8-23
Headlights........................................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-26
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-30
Types of tires...................................................... 8-30
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-32
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