tow INFINITI G35 2003 Owner's Manual

wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
O Do not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
O Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
O INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (T-type spare tire) Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your ve-
hicle could be damaged or involved in an
accident.
CAUTIONO The T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
O Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
O Periodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
O Always keep the pressure of the full
size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the tire placard.
For tire placard location, see ªTire
placardº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº.
O Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
O Do not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly on the T-type spare tire and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
O When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the T-type spare tire
should be used on the front wheel
and the original tire used on the rear
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains only on the rear two original tires.
(Sedan)
O Tire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the original
tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
O Because the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle do not drive over
obstacles. Also do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get caught.
O Do not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.
O Do not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.
O Do not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
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has been parked for a while. Water 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. To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and eco-
nomical driving, INFINITI provides two differ-
ent maintenance schedules that may be used,
depending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain both
distance and time intervals, up to 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)/48 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little, your
vehicle should be serviced at the regular time
intervals shown in the schedule. After 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, continue
periodic maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1 Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
O repeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
O repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
O operating in hot weather in stop-and-go
rush hour traffic.
O extensive idling and/or low speed driv-
ing for long distances, such as police,
taxi or door-to-door delivery use. O driving in dusty conditions.
O driving on rough, muddy, or salt spread
roads.
O towing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2 Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in Sched-
ule 1 apply to your driving habits.PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
Maintenance
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Schedule 1 Abbreviations: R = Replace, I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. MAINTENANCE OPERATION MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first. Miles x 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km x 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Brake lines & cables IIII
Brake pads & rotors IIIIIIII
Manual transmission gear oil or automatic trans-
mission fluid & differential gear oil See NOTE (1) IIII
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts IIIIIIII
Tire rotation See NOTE (2)
Exhaust system IIIIIIII
In-cabin microfilter RRRR
NOTE: (1) If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
or 24 months. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
(2) Refer to ªTire rotationº under the ªGeneral maintenanceº heading earlier in this section.
Maintenance
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10 Technical and consumer information Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants/
fluids ........................................................................ 10-2
Fuel recommendation ......................................... 10-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............ 10-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............... 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................... 10-6
Specifications .......................................................... 10-7
Engine ................................................................ 10-7
Wheels and tires ................................................ 10-8
Dimensions and weights .................................... 10-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................... 10-9
Vehicle identification ............................................... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ........... 10-9
Vehicle identification number
(Chassis number) ............................................... 10-9
Engine serial number ....................................... 10-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ............................ 10-10
Emission control information label ................... 10-11
Tire placard ...................................................... 10-11
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 10-12
Installing front bumper cover................................. 10-12
Installing front license plate................................... 10-13 Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-14
Terms ............................................................... 10-14
Determining vehicle load capacity.................... 10-14
Loading tips ...................................................... 10-15
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-15
Maximum load limits ......................................... 10-16
Towing safety ................................................... 10-17
Uniform tire quality grading ................................... 10-19
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-21
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ............................................................... 10-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................. 10-22
In the event of a collision ................................. 10-22
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Sedan models Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
For improved vehicle performance, INFINITI
recommends the use of unleaded premium
gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91
AKI number (Research octane number 96).
Coupe models Use unleaded premium gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87
AKI number (Research octane number 91)
may be temporarily used, but only under the
following precautions:
O Have the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as
possible.
O Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt accel-
eration.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso- line is recommended.
CAUTION Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
INFINITI supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. INFINITI does not recommend the use
of fuels of which the oxygenate content and
the fuel compatibility for your INFINITI cannot
be readily determined. If in doubt, ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
O The fuel must be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that recom-
mended for unleaded gasoline.
O If an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
O If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in INFINITI vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experienced Technical and consumer information
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Change intervals The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new INFINITI vehicle warran-
ties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
O repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
O driving in dusty conditions,
O extensive idling,
O towing a trailer,
O stop and go ªrush hourº traffic.
O aggressive driving RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC). AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS The air conditioning system in this INFINITI
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
INFINITI vehicle will not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not
affect the earth's atmosphere, certain govern-
mental regulations require the recovery and
recycling of any refrigerant during automotive
air conditioning system service. Your INFINITI
retailer has the trained technicians and equip-
ment needed to recover and recycle your air
conditioning system refrigerant.
Contact your INFINITI retailer when servicing
your air conditioning system. TI1028-C
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Use the following steps to mount the license
plate:
Before mounting the license plate, confirm that
the following parts are enclosed in the vinyl
bag.
O License plate bracket
O J-nut x 2
O Screw x 2
O Screw grommet x 2
1. Temporarily place the license plate bracket
and mark the pilot hole points j A
using
holes j B
while aligning the towing hook hole
of the front bumper fascia.
2. Remove the license plate bracket.
3. Carefully drill two pilot holes j A
using a 0.39
in (10 mm) drill bit at the marked locations.
(Be sure that the drill only goes through
the fascia, or damage to the nut may
occur.)
4. Insert grommets into the hole on the fascia.
5. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the
grommet hole to turn part j C
90 degrees.
6. Insert a J-nut into the license plate bracket
before placing the license plate bracket on
the fascia. STI0332INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE
PLATE
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ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or
rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS O The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label.
O Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNINGO Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
O Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury.
O Overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your INFINITI retailer. Your retailer
can obtain an INFINITI Trailer Towing Guide
for you. TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILER
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MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load equals
trailer weight plus its cargo weight. Towing
loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg) or using
improper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have
to be reduced on very steep grades or in low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
WARNINGVehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by INFINITI war-
ranties. An INFINITI Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special equipment required may be obtained
from an authorized INFINITI retailer.
Tongue load Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of
the total trailer load. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weight The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed. GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear gross axle
weight must not exceed GAWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. TI1012M
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD 1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD 110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTIONO Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
O The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
O Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch. O To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
O Regularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures O When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the rear left door opening (Sedan),
the driver side center pillar (Coupe).
O Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.
Safety chain Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point
between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.
Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
WARNING Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips O Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down Technical and consumer information
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