MA-6
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).Parking brakeCheck that the pedal has the proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the parking brake is applied.PB-2
Automatic transmis-
sion "Park" mecha-
nismCheck that the lock release button on the selector lever operates properly and
smoothly. On a fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.— ItemReference page
ItemReference page
Windshield washer
fluidCheck that there is adequate fluid in the tank. —
Engine coolant levelCheck the coolant level when the engine is cold.MA-15
, MA-21
Radiator and hosesCheck 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,
deterioration or loose connections.—
Brake fluid levelMake sure that the brake fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on
the reservoir.MA-34
BatteryCheck the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions
require frequent checks of the battery fluid level.SC-5, "
CHECKING
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL"
Engine drive beltsMake sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.MA-14, MA-21
Engine oil levelCheck the level on the oil level gauge after parking the vehicle on a level spot
and turning off the engine.MA-17, MA-24
Power steering fluid
level and linesCheck the level on the dipstick with the engine off. Check the lines for improper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.MA-36
Exhaust systemMake 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
locate the trouble and correct it.MA-28
UnderbodyThe 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 sub-
stances, 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
can easily accumulate.—
Fluid leaksCheck 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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and correct it immediately.—
MA-8
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
Schedule 1ALS000G6
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference
Section -
Page or -
Content Title Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months3.75
(6)
37.50
(12)
611 . 2 5
(18)
915
(24)
1218.75
(30)
1522.5
(36)
1826.25
(42)
2130
(48)
24
Drive belts NOTE (1)MA-14
, MA-
21
Air cleaner filter NOTE (2) [R]MA-17, MA-
24
EVAP vapor linesI*MA-20, MA-
27
Fuel linesI*MA-17, MA-
24
Fuel filter NOTE (3)-
Engine coolant NOTE (4)MA-15
, MA-
21
Engine oil R R RRRRR RMA-17, MA-
24
Engine oil filter [Use part No.
15208 31U00 (for VK45DE),
15208 65F00 (for VQ35DE)
or equivalent.]R R RRRRR RMA-18
, MA-
25
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-
TIPPED type)Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km).MA-19, MA-
26
Intake & exhaust valve clear-
ance*NOTE (5)EM-89, "Valve Clear-
ance", EM-
214, "Va l v e
Clearance"
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference
Section -
Page or -
Content Title Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months33.75
(54)
2737.5
(60)
3041.25
(66)
3345
(72)
3648.75
(78)
3952.5
(84)
4256.25
(90)
4560
(96)
48
Drive belts NOTE (1) I*MA-14
, MA-
21
Air cleaner filter NOTE (2) [R]MA-17, MA-
24
EVAP vapor linesI*MA-20, MA-
27
Fuel linesI*MA-17, MA-
24
Fuel filter NOTE (3)-
Engine coolant NOTE (4) R*MA-15
, MA-
21
Engine oil R R R R R R R RMA-17, MA-
24
Engine oil filter [Use part No.
15208 31U00 (for VK45DE),
15208 65F00 (for VQ35DE)
or equivalent.]R R RRRRRRMA-18
, MA-
25
MA-10
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
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) fluid (A/T, trans-
fer)/oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J
ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmis-
sion, which is not covered by the INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
(2) Refer to “Tire rotation” under the “General maintenance” heading earlier in this section.
Schedule 2ALS000G7
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
NOTE:
(1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found
damaged or if the auto belt tensioner reading (only for VK45DE engine) reaches the maximum limit.
(2) Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, refer to FL section.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.Automatic transmission &
transfer fluid & differential
gear oilNOTE (1) I IMA-28
,
MA-30
, MA-31
Steering gear, linkage &
transfer gear, axle & sus-
pension partsI IIIMA-35
, MA-36
Tire rotation NOTE (2)MA-4,
MA-34
Drive shaft boots and pro-
peller shaft (AWD models)I IIIMA-37,MA-31
Exhaust system
I IIIMA-28
In-cabin microfilter
RRATC-125
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference
Section -
Page or -
Content Title Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months33.75
(54)
2737.5
(60)
3041.25
(66)
3345
(72)
3648.75
(78)
3952.5
(84)
4256.25
(90)
4560
(96)
48
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Reference Sec-
tion - Page or -
Content Title Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever
comes first.Miles x 1,000
(km x 1,000)
Months7.5
(12)
615
(24)
1222.5
(36)
1830
(48)
2437.5
(60)
3045
(72)
3652.5
(84)
4260
(96)
48
Drive belts NOTE (1) I*MA-14
, MA-21
Air cleaner filter [R] [R]MA-17, MA-24
EVAP vapor lines I* I*MA-20, MA-27
Fuel lines I* I*MA-17, MA-24
Fuel filter NOTE (2)-
Engine coolant NOTE (3) R*MA-15
, MA-21
Engine oil R R R R R R R RMA-17, MA-24
Engine oil filter [Use part No.
15208 31U00 (for VK45DE),
15208 65F00 (for VQ35DE) or
equivalent.]RRRR R RRRMA-18
, MA-25
Spark plugs (PLATINUM-
TIPPED type)Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km).MA-19, MA-26
Intake & exhaust valve clear-
ance*NOTE (4)EM-89, "
Va l v e
Clearance", EM-
214, "Va l v e
Clearance"
MA-12
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTSPFP:00000
Fluids and Lubricants ALS000G8
*1: For further details, see “SAE Viscosity Number”.
*2: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF 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.
*3: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*4: DEXRON
TM III/ MERCONTM or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact an INFINITI
dealer for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON TM III/ MERCONTM automatic trans-
mission fluid.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TM III/ MERCONTM , or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Available in mainland U.S.A. through your INFINITI dealer.Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
US measureImp mea-
sureLiter
Engine oil
Drain and
refillWith oil fil-
ter changeVK45DE 6-3/4 qt 5-5/8 qt 6.4 For VK45DE engine
API Certification Mark*1
API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving*1
ILSAC grade GF-II & GF-III*1
For VQ35DE engine
API Certification Mark*1
API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving I & II or
API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving*1
ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III *1 VQ35DE 5 qt 4 - 1/8 qt 4.7
Without oil
filter
changeVK45DE 6-1/8 qt 5-1/8 qt 5.8
VQ35DE 4-5/8 qt 3-7/8 qt 4.4
Dry engine (Overhaul)VK45DE 7-5/8 qt 6-3/8 qt 7.2
VQ35DE 5-3/4 qt 4-3/4 qt 5.4
Cooling
systemWith res-
ervoir tankVK45DE 10-5/8 qt 8-3/4 qt 10.0
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/ Coolant
or equivalent VQ35DE 9-1/8 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.6
Reservoir
tankVK45DE 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
VQ35DE 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid 10-7/8 qt 9-1/8 qt 10.3 Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *2
Differential gear oilFront 1-3/8 pt 1-1/8 pt 0.65
API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80 W-90 *3
Rear 3 pt 2-1/2 pt 1.40
Transfer fluid 2-5/8 pt 2-1/4 pt 1.25Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S.
and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid*4
Power steering fluid (PSF) 1-1/8 qt 7/8 qt 1.0 Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*5
Brake fluid — — —Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake
Fluid*6 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Windshield washer fluid — — —Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concen-
trate Cleaner & Antifreeze Fluid or equivalent
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
MA-13
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
MA
B
MA
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
SAE Viscosity NumberALS000G9
GASOLINE ENGINE OIL
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE
10W-30 and 10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the ambient
temperature is above -18°C (0°F)
Anti-Freeze Coolant Mixture RatioALS000GA
The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality,
year-round, anti-freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solution
contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Therefore, additional cooling
system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION:
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/ Coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineralized
water/distilled water.
Other types of coolant solutions may damage your cooling sys-
tem.
MMA117AA
SMA947CA
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
MA-15
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
MA
B
MA
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
ALTERNATOR AND POWER STEERING OIL PUMP BELT
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Loosen idler pulley lock nut (A) and adjust tension by turning
adjusting bolt (B).
For specified belt tension, refer to MA-14, "Checking Drive
Belts" .
3. Tighten nut (A).
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR BELT
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Loosen idler pulley lock nut (C) and adjust tension by turning adjusting bolt (D).
For specified belt tension, refer to MA-14, "Checking Drive Belts" .
3. Tighten nut (C).
Changing Engine CoolantALS000H2
WARNING:
To avoid being scalded, never change engine coolant when engine is hot.
Wrap a thick cloth around cap and carefully remove cap. First, turn cap a quarter of a turn to
release built-up pressure. Then turn cap all the way.
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tools.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator, and remove
radiator cap.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belts.
When drain all of engine coolant in the system, open water drain plugs on engine cylinder block.
Refer to EM-121, "
DISASSEMBLY" .
3. Check drained engine coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration.
If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to MA-17, "
FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM" . : 34.8 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 26 ft-lb)
SBIA0532E
: 34.8 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 26 ft-lb)
SBIA0444E
MA-16
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
4. Remove reservoir tank, drain engine coolant and clean reservoir tank before installing.
REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT
1. Install reservoir tank if removed, and radiator drain plug.
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new O-ring.
If water drain plugs are removed, close and tighten them. Refer to EM-126, "
ASSEMBLY" .
2. Remove air relief plug on heater hose.
3. Fill radiator and reservoir tank to specified level.
Use Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/ Coolant or
equivalent mixed with water (distilled or demineralized).
Refer to MA-12, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRI-
CANTS".
Pour engine coolant through engine coolant filler neck
slowly of less than 2 (2-1/8 US qt,1-3/4 lmp qt) a minute
to allow air in system to escape.
When engine coolant overflows air relief hole on heater hose,
install air relief plug with new O-ring.
4. Warm up engine to normal operating temperature with radiator cap installed.
5. Run engine at 3,000 rpm for 10 seconds and return to idle speed.
Repeat two or three times.
Watch engine coolant temperature gauge so as not to overheat engine.
6. Stop engine and cool down to less than approximately 50°C (122°F).
Cool down using a fan to reduce the time.
If necessary, refill radiator up to filler neck with engine coolant.
7. Refill reservoir tank to “MAX” level line with engine coolant.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 6 two or more times with radiator cap installed until engine coolant level no longer
drops.
9. Check cooling system for leaks with engine running.Radiator drain plug:
: 1.18 N·m (0.12 kg-m, 10 in-lb)
SBIA0445E
Engine coolant capacity
(with reservoir tank at “MAX” level)
: Approximately 8.6 (9-1/8 US qt, 7-5/8 lmp qt)
SMA182B
Reservoir tank engine coolant capacity (at “MAX” level)
: 0.8 (7/8 US qt, 3/4 lmp qt)
Air relief plug:
: 1.19 N·m (0.12 kg-m, 10 ft-lb)
SMA412B
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
MA-17
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
MA
B
MA
Revision: 2004 November 2004 FX35/FX45
10. Warm up engine, and check for sound of engine coolant flow while running engine from idle up to 3,000
rpm with heater temperature controller set at several position between “COOL” and “WARM”.
Sound may be noticeable at heater unit.
11. Repeat step 10 three times.
12. If sound is heard, bleed air from cooling system by repeating step 3 through 6 until engine coolant level no
longer drops.
Clean excess engine coolant from engine.
FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM
1. Fill radiator with water until water spills from the air relief hole, then close air relief plug. Fill radiator and
reservoir tank with water and reinstall radiator cap.
2. Run engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
3. Rev engine two or three times under no-load.
4. Stop engine and wait until it cools down.
5. Drain water from the system. Refer to MA-15, "
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 until clear water begins to drain from radiator.
Checking Fuel LinesALS000GI
Inspect fuel lines, filler cap and tank for improper attachment, leaks,
cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing or deterioration.
If necessary, repair or replace damaged parts.
Changing Air Cleaner FilterALS000GJ
VISCOUS PAPER TYPE
The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between
replacement intervals. Refer to MA-7, "
PERIODIC MAINTE-
NANCE" .
Changing Engine OilALS000H3
WARNING:
Be careful not to burn yourself, as engine oil may be hot.
Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer; try to avoid direct
skin contact with used engine oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Warm up engine, and check for engine oil leakage from engine components. Refer to LU-7, "
ENGINE OIL
LEAKAGE" .
3. Stop engine and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Remove drain plug and oil filler cap.
5. Drain engine oil.
SMA803A
SBIA0463E