EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found later in this sec-
tion.
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 prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges and latches if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights,
stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights,
and other lights are all operating properly
and installed securely. Also check head-
light aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts): When
checking the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for any loose
wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the speci-
fied pressure. Check carefully for damage,
cuts or excessive wear.
Tire rotation*:
Sedan: The tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) to minimize tire
wear variation.
Coupe: The tires cannot be rotated.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance: If the
vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if
you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear,
there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
O For additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety Infor-
mationº (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet. Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at
least every six months for cracks or other
damage. Have a damaged windshield re-
paired by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe prop-
erly.
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Inside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mecha-
nism: On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without ap-
plying any brakes.
Brake pedal*: Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure
to keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake*: Check that the pedal/
lever has the proper travel and confirm
that your vehicle is held securely on a
fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc.
to ensure they operate smoothly and that
all latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (For example, buckles, an-
chors, adjusters and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive
free play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are op-
erating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets prop-
erly and in sufficient quantity when oper-
ating 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 the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (For example,
each time you check the engine oil or re-
fuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and
MIN lines. Vehicles operated in high tem-
peratures or under severe conditions re-
quire frequent checks of the battery fluid
level.
Brake and clutch fluid level*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
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 location
and turning off the engine. (Wait at least
10 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
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there is a smell of exhaust fumes, imme-
diately locate the trouble and correct it.
See ªPrecautions when starting and
drivingº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section for exhaust gas (Carbon mon-
oxide).
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 evi-
dent, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned 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, de-
formation, deterioration or loose connec-
tions.
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
substances, 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 thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being
careful to clean those areas where mud
and dirt may accumulate. For additional
information, see ªCleaning exteriorº in
the ª7. Appearance and careº section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury
to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING O Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. For a manual transmission,
move the shift lever to N (Neutral) posi-
tion. For an automatic transmission
models, move the selector lever to P
(Park).
O Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
O If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
O It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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such as rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
O Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
O If you must run the engine in an enclosed
space such as a garage, be sure there is
proper ventilation for exhaust gases to
escape.
O Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support it
with safety stands.
O Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and bat-
tery.
O On gasoline engine models with the Mul-
tiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System, the
fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced
by an INFINITI dealer because the fuel
lines are under high pressure even when
the engine is off. CAUTION O Do not work under the hood while the en-
gine is hot. Turn the engine off and wait
until it cools down.
O Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
O Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
ness connector disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
O Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil,
engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section gives instructions regarding only
those items which are relatively easy for
an owner to perform. A genuine INFINITI Service Manual is also
available. See ªOwner's Manual/Service
Manual order informationº in the ª9.
Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in oper-
ating difficulties or excessive emissions,
and could affect your warranty coverage.
If in doubt about any servicing, have it
done by an INFINITI dealer.
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1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (MT models)
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Engine coolant reservoir
8. Window washer fluid reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Drive belts
11. Engine oil dipstick
12. Air cleaner
SSI0160ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
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 anti-
freeze solution contains rust and corro-
sion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not neces-
sary.
WARNINGO Never remove the radiator or coolant res-
ervoir cap when the engine is hot. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool down.
Serious burns could be caused by high
pressure fluid escaping from the ra-
diator. See precautions in ªIf your ve-
hicle overheatsº found in the ª6. In case
of emergencyº section.
O The radiator is equipped with a pressure
type radiator cap. To prevent engine
damage, use only a genuine NISSAN ra-
diator cap. CAUTION When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to
use only a Genuine Nissan Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and
50% demineralized water/distilled water.
The use of other types of engine coolant may
damage your engine cooling system. Outside temperature
down to
Antifreeze Deminer-
alized
water/
distilled
waterÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank when the engine is cold. If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level
q 2
, open
the cap and add coolant up to the MAX
level
q 1
. If the reservoir tank is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient coolant in the radiator, fill the radia-
tor with coolant up to the filler opening
and also add it to the reservoir tank up to
the MAX level
q 1
. SDI1385B
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
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If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an INFINITI
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT O Major cooling system repairs should be
performed by an INFINITI dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate INFINITI Service Manual. O Improper servicing can result in re-
duced heater performance and engine
overheating.
WARNING O To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
O Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
O Avoid direct skin contact with used cool-
ant. If skin contact is made, wash thor-
oughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
O Keep coolant out of reach of children and
pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug
q A
at the
bottom of radiator, and remove ra-
diator filler cap
q B
.
O Be careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.
O Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations. SDI0114B
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2. Close the radiator drain plug securely
after the coolant is drained.
3. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper
mixture of antifreeze solution and
demineralized water/distilled water.
Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX
level. Then install the radiator filler
cap.
4. Start the engine and warm it up until
it reaches normal operating tempera-
ture. Then race the engine 2 or 3 times
under no load. Watch the engine cool-
ant temperature gauge for signs of
overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely
cools down, refill the radiator up to
the filler opening. Fill the reservoir
tank up to the MAX level. Check the
drain plug for any sign of leakage.
6. Check the coolant level again after
driving the vehicle.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operat-
ing temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick
q A
and wipe it
clean. Reinsert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check
the oil level. It should be between the
H and L marks
q B
. If the oil level is
below the L mark
q A
, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
q C
.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the break-
in period, depending on the severity of op-
erating conditions. SDI1386D SDI1781
ENGINE OIL
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