MA-6
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
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 brake
Check 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-
nism Check 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. —
Item
Reference page
Item Reference page
Windshield washer
fluid Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank. —
Engine coolant level Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. MA-15
, MA-22
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,
deterioration or loose connections. —
Brake fluid level Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on
the reservoir. MA-35
Battery Check 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 belts
Make sure that no belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily. MA-14, MA-22
Engine oil level Check the level on the oil level gauge after parking the vehicle on a level spot
and turning off the engine. MA-18,
MA-25
Power steering fluid
level and lines Check the level on the dipstick with the engine off. Check the lines for improper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc. MA-37
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
locate the trouble and correct it. MA-29
Underbody
The 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 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 gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and correct it immediately. —
MA-12
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
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 measure Imp mea-
sure Liter
Engine oil
Drain and
refill With oil fil-
ter change VK45DE 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
change VK45DE 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
system With res-
ervoir tank VK45DE 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
tank VK45DE 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 oil Front 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 1.25 Genuine 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
Fuel
recommendation VK45DE — — —
Refer to
GI-7, "
Precautions for Fuel (Unleaded
Premium Gasoline Required)"
VQ35DE — — — Refer to
GI-6, "Precautions for Fuel (Unleaded
Premium Gasoline Recommended)"
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS MA-13
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Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
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
MA-18
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
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 the engine, and check for engine oil leakage from engine components. Refer to LU-7, "
ENGINE
OIL LEAKAGE" .
3. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Loosen oil filler cap and then remove drain plug.
5. Drain engine oil.
6. Install drain plug with new washer. Refer to EM-30, "
OIL PAN AND OIL STRAINER" .
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new washer.
7. Refill with new engine oil. Engine oil specification and viscosity:
Refer to MA-12, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS" .
Engine oil capacity (Approximate):
Unit: (US qt, lmp qt)
CAUTION:
When filling engine oil, do not pull out oil level gauge.
The refill capacity depends on the engine oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifica-
tions for reference only.
Always use oil level gauge to determine the proper amount of engine oil in engine.
8. Warm up the engine and check area around drain plug and oil filter for engine oil leakage.
9. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
SBIA0463E
Oil pan drain plug:
: 34.3 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
Drain and refill With oil filter change 4.7 (5, 4-1/8)
Without oil filter change 4.4 (4-5/8, 3-7/8)
Dry engine (Overhaul) 5.4 (5-3/4, 4-3/4)
MA-20
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VQ35DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
3. Screw oil filter manually until it touches the installation surface,
then tighten it by 2/3 turn. Or tighten to the specification.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Start the engine, and check there is no leak of engine oil.
2. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
3. Check the engine oil level, and adjust the level. Refer to MA-18, "
Changing Engine Oil" .
Changing Spark Plugs (Platinum-Tipped Type)ALS000GN
REMOVAL
1. Remove engine cover with power tool. Refer to EM-19, "INTAKE MANIFOLD COLLECTOR" .
2. Remove ignition coil. Refer to EM-42, "
IGNITION COIL" .
3. Remove spark plug with a spark plug wrench (commercial ser- vice tool).
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Use the standard type spark plug for normal condition.
The hot type spark plug is suitable when fouling occurs with the standard type spark plug under conditions
such as:
Frequent engine starts
Low ambient temperatures
The cold type spark plug is suitable when spark knock occurs with the standard type spark plug under condi-
tions such as:
Extended highway driving
Frequent high engine revolution Oil filter:
: 17.7 N·m (1.8 kg-m, 13 ft-lb)
SMA229B
SEM294A
Make NGK
Standard type PLFR5A-11
Hot type PLFR4A-11
Cold type PLFR6A-11
Gap (Nominal) : 1.1 mm (0.043 in)
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VK45DE ENGINE) MA-25
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Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
2. Remove air relief plug on heater hose.
3. Fill thermostat housing with water until water spills from the air relief hole, then close air relief plug. Fill
thermostat housing and reservoir tank with water and reinstall radiator cap.
4. Run engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
5. Rev engine two or three times under no-load.
6. Stop engine and wait until it cools down.
7. Drain water from the system. Refer to MA-23, "
DRAINING ENGINE COOLANT" .
8. Repeat steps 1 through 7 until clear water begins to drain from radiator.
Checking Fuel LinesALS000GS
Inspect fuel lines, fuel filler cap and fuel tank for improper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing or deterio-
ration.
If necessary, repair or replace damaged parts.
Changing Air Cleaner FilterALS000GT
VISCOUS PAPER TYPE
The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between replacement intervals. Refer to MA-7,
"PERIODIC MAINTENANCE" .
1. Remove air duct (inlet), air cleaner case and mass air flow sensor assembly. Refer to EM-176, "
AIR
CLEANER AND AIR DUCT" .
2. Remove air cleaner filter from air cleaner case.
Changing Engine OilALS000H7
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, put vehicle horizontally and check for engine oil leakage from engine components. Refer to LU-25, "
ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE" .
3. Stop engine and wait for 15 minutes.
PBIC1530E
SMA803A
MA-26
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VK45DE ENGINE)
Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
4. Loosen oil filler cap, and then remove drain plug.
5. Drain engine oil.
6. Install drain plug with new washer. Refer to EM-185, "
OIL PAN
AND OIL STRAINER" .
CAUTION:
Be sure to clean drain plug and install with new washer.
7. Refill with new engine oil. Engine oil specification and viscosity:
Refer to MA-12, "
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS" .
Engine oil capacity (Approximate):
Unit: (US qt, Imp qt)
CAUTION:
The refill capacity depends on the engine oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifica-
tions for reference only.
Always use oil level gauge to determine the proper amount of engine oil in the engine.
8. Warm up engine and check area around drain plug and oil filter for oil leakage.
9. Stop engine and wait for 15 minutes.
10. Check the engine oil level.
Changing Oil FilterALS000GV
REMOVAL
WARNING:
Be careful not to get burned when the engine and engine oil may be hot.
1. Remove front engine undercover with power tool.
2. Using the oil filter wrench (SST), remove the oil filter. CAUTION:
Oil filter is provided with relief valve. Use Genuine Nissan
Oil Filter or equivalent.
When removing, prepare a shop cloth to absorb any
engine oil leakage or spillage.
Do not allow engine oil to adhere to drive belts.
Completely wipe off any engine oil that adhere to engine
and vehicle.
INSTALLATION
1. Remove foreign materials adhering to oil filter installation surface. Oil pan drain plug:
: 34.3 N·m (3.5 kg-m, 25 ft-lb)
PBIC0993E
Drain and refill With oil filter change 6.4 (6-3/4, 5-5/8)
without oil filter change 5.8 (6-1/8, 5-1/8)
Dry engine (engine overhaul) 7.2 (7-5/8, 6-3/8)
PBIC0801E
PBIC1525E
ENGINE MAINTENANCE (VK45DE ENGINE) MA-27
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Revision: 2005 July 2005 FX
2. Apply new engine oil to the oil seal circumference of the new oil
filter.
3. Screw oil filter manually until it touches the installation surface, then tighten it by 2/3 turn. Or tighten to specification.
INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Check the engine oil level. Refer to MA-25, "Changing Engine Oil" .
2. Start engine, and check there is no leaks of engine oil.
3. Stop engine and wait for 15 minutes.
4. Check the engine oil level and add engine oil. Refer to MA-25, "
Changing Engine Oil" .
Changing Spark Plugs (Platinum-Tipped Type)ALS000GW
REMOVAL
1. Remove engine cover with power tool. Refer to EM-172, "ENGINE ROOM COVER" .
2. Remove ignition coil. Refer to EM-189, "
IGNITION COIL" .
3. Remove spark plug with spark plug wrench (commercial service tool).
CAUTION:
Do not drop or shock it.
INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL
Use standard type spark plug for normal condition.
Hot type spark plug is suitable when fouling occurs with standard type spark plug under conditions such as:
Frequent engine starts
Low ambient temperatures
Cold type spark plug is suitable when spark plug knock occurs with standard type spark plug under conditions
such as:
Extended highway driving
Frequent high engine revolution
SMA010
Oil filter:
:17.7 N·m (1.8 kg-m, 13 ft-lb)
SMA229B
SEM294A