🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Infiniti

Model:

Q45

Year:

1997

Generation Identifier:

Second Generation (Y33)

Chassis Code:

Y33

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Full-Size Sedan

Key Competitors:

Lexus LS 400, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Cadillac DeVille.

Vehicle Selling Points:

Powerful V8 engine, sophisticated styling, comfortable ride, advanced features for its era, luxury appointments.

Convenience Vs Print:

Instant access, searchable content, interactive diagrams, multimedia potential (though not explicitly stated for this version), always up-to-date within its licensed scope, more cost-effective than aged printed manuals.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Factory Service and Repair Information

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Digital Format, Equivalent to thousands of printed pages)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Access Format:

Online Software (Web Browser Access)

Compatibility:

PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet (Internet Connection Required)

Licensing Status:

Officially Licensed

Software Provider:

RepairSurge

Subscription Period:

1 Year (with renewal discounts available)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, teardown, assembly, diagnostics, timing, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery (EFI), emission controls.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), ECU diagnostics and repair, sensor testing and replacement.

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (4-speed RE4R01A) overhaul, diagnosis, fluid service, shift control, torque converter.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, CV joints, differential (rear-wheel drive), axle shafts, propeller shaft.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment adjustments.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper service, rotor replacement, brake bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim.

Electrical Body:

Lighting system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, wipers, horn, interior electronics, body control module (BCM) diagnostics.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate control unit.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams for fault finding.

Diagnostic Procedures:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) functionality, sensor testing, actuator testing, scan tool usage.

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing individual components like alternators, starters, pumps, sensors, modules, etc.

Adjustment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, handbrake adjustment, headlight aiming.

Depth Of Information:

Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including torque specifications, special tool requirements, and detailed explanations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Proprietary Web-Based Software

Print Capability:

Printable pages available within the software interface.

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

VQ35DE (in some markets for this generation, though typically VH41DE for early Y33 Q45)

Engine Type:

4.1L V8 (VG41DE - most common for US 1997 Q45)

Displacement:

4130 cc (4.1 Liters)

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

270 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Valve Train:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder.

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 90.0 mm (approx.)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

RE4R01A

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed shift points, potentially with adaptive learning.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Nissan Matic D (Dexron III compatible)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.7 Liters (9.2 US Quarts) for a complete refill, 4.5 Liters (4.3 US Quarts) for a pan drop and fill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.2 inches (5060 mm)

Width:

71.7 inches (1821 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Wheelbase:

113.2 inches (2875 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,700 - 3,900 lbs (1678 - 1769 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4,800 - 5,000 lbs (2177 - 2268 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, but generally considered robust.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard on this generation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Bose audio system with CD player and cassette deck.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronically controlled cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Available keyless entry system.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings.

Seats:

Leather-appointed seating, power-adjustable front seats with memory functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Consult manual; typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

The VG41DE engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, so no replacement is typically needed unless there is a component failure.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG, SH, or SJ classification, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for temperature-specific viscosity).

Coolant Type:

Nissan Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (blue) or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.8 Liters (5.1 US Quarts) with filter change.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends (due to vehicle weight and mileage), catalytic converters, ignition coil packs.

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues due to age, particularly with climate control or power accessories.

Transmission Behavior:

While generally robust, early signs of wear might include hesitant shifts or delayed engagement.

📚 Vehicle History

Infiniti Launch:

Infiniti was launched by Nissan in North America in 1989 as a luxury performance brand.

Q45 First Gen:

The first generation Q45 (Y32 chassis) debuted in 1989, featuring a powerful V8 and a focus on understated luxury and performance.

Q45 Second Gen Y33:

The second generation Q45 (Y33 chassis) launched for the 1997 model year, retaining the V8 but with updated styling and technology. It offered a more conventional luxury car design compared to the first generation.

Production Years:

1990-1996 (1st Gen), 1997-2001 (2nd Gen)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The first-generation Q45 was a Car and Driver 10 Best list recipient. While the second generation might not have repeated this exact award, it maintained a strong presence in the luxury segment.