check engine INFINITI G37 2010 Owner's Guide

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal 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 brak-
ing 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
“TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL”
in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see “WHEELS
AND TIRES” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls 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
preventing 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 pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNINGDo not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
Normal operation The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
5-52 Starting and driving
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● The steering wheel is forcibly turned beyond
its operation limits.
● The battery voltage is reduced.
Repeated steering maneuvers that may activate
the protection mechanism will damage the
4WAS system.
WARNINGThe 4WAS system, although a sophisticated
device, cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving techniques.
Ultimately the responsibility for safety of self
and others rests in the hands of the driver.
Therefore only through attentive and careful
driving methods can the 4WAS system be fully
appreciated and safety optimized. FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see “ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see “BATTERY” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “ENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEM” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section. TIRE EQUIPMENT SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, INFINITI recommends the use of MUD
& SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Consult an INFINITI retailer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “TIRE
CHAINS” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
For all-wheel drive If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
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In the event of a roadside emergency, Roadside
Assistance Service is available to you. Please
refer to your Warranty Information Booklet
(U.S.) or Warranty & Roadside Assistance Infor-
mation Booklet (Canada) for details.
Emergency engine shut off To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving perform the following procedure:
− Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch
3 consecutive times, or
− Push and hold the push-button ignition for
more than 2 seconds.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
low tire pressure warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with low
tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light.
This system will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, see “WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in the “2. Instru-
ments and controls” section and “TIRE PRES-
SURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section. WARNING● If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates 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 increase 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 In-
formation label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the light still illumi-
nates 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 re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FLAT TIRE
6-2 In case of emergency
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CAUTION● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle over-
heats. 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, possi-
bly 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 and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position (Automatic
transmission models). Move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (Manual trans-
mission models).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the climate control. 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 climb-
ing 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 radia-
tor 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.
WARNINGIf 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 coolant is leak-
ing or the cooling fan does not run, stop
the engine. WARNINGBe 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 reser-
voir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle
repaired 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 & Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet (Canada).IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10 In case of emergency
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Maintenance requirement .......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VQ37VHR engine ............................... 8-6
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-7
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-7
Changing engine coolant ........................ 8-8
Engine oil ........................................ 8-8
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 8-11
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................ 8-12
Brake fluid ................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) .................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Coupe ........................................ 8-13 Sedan and coupe ............................. 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system ................... 8-15
Drive belts ....................................... 8-16
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ...................................... 8-18
Replacing ..................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-21
Intelligent
Key
battery replacement ................ 8-22
Lights ........................................... 8-23
Sedan ........................................ 8-23
Coupe ........................................ 8-24
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Exterior and interior lights ..................... 8-25
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
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Your new INFINITI has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your IN-
FINITI’s fine mechanical condition, as well as its
emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “INFINITI Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your INFINITI at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation. They are essential for proper vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
an INFINITI retailer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE If maintenance service is required or your ve-
hicle appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by an INFINITI retailer.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-retailership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehicles before work begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI retailer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle — in a reliable and economical way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have an
INFINITI retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS” later
in this section.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS Additional information on the following items
with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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04/21/10—debbie


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 steer-
ing 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 prop-
erly.
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 temperatures or un-
der 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, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section 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 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 cor-
rected 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 ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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VQ37VHR ENGINE 1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir 5. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmis-
sion 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
SSI0345ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze
coolant solution. The antifreeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore
additional cooling system additives are not
necessary.
WARNING● Never remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine is hot. Wait until the engine and radia-
tor cool down. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “IF YOUR
VEHICLE OVERHEATS” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
● The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine dam-
age, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap. CAUTION● When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with
the proper mixture ratio shown in the follow-
ing chart. The life expectancy of the factory-
fill coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or
7 years. Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water will reduce the
life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant. Re-
fer to the Infiniti Service and Maintenance
Guide for more details. The use of other
types of coolant solutions may damage the
engine cooling system.
● The coolant reservoir is equipped with a
pressure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine NISSAN
coolant reservoir cap.
Outside
temperature
down to Antifreeze Demineral-
ized water
or distilled
water
°F °C
 30  35 50% 50% CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Check the coolant level in 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.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles SDI2043
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7
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04/22/10—debbie


(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type
of coolant 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.
If the cooling system requires coolant fre-
quently, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by an INFINITI retailer. The service pro-
cedures can be found in the appropriate INFINITI
Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater
performance and engine overheating.
WARNING● To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
● Never remove the radiator cap when the en-
gine 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.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be within the range
 1
.
If the oil level is below
 2
, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
 3
. SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
8-8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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