8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Maintenance requirements ............................... 8-2
General maintenance........................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance
items .......................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................. 8-5
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-7
Engine cooling system ..................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level..................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant............................. 8-9
Engine oil ....................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ................... 8-11
Automatic transmission fluid........................... 8-13
Power steering fluid ........................................ 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid..................................... 8-14
Brake fluid................................................. 8-14
Clutch fluid ............................................... 8-15
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-15
Battery ............................................................ 8-16
Jump starting ............................................. 8-18
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-19
Spark plugs .................................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ............................... 8-20 Air cleaner...................................................... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades ................................. 8-21
Cleaning .................................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................................. 8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal....................... 8-23
Checking parking brake............................. 8-23
Checking brake pedal................................ 8-23
Brake booster ........................................... 8-24
Fuses .............................................................. 8-25
Engine compartment.................................. 8-25
Passenger compartment ............................ 8-27
Keyfob battery replacement ............................ 8-28
Keyfob (except Intelligent Key) .................. 8-28
Intelligent Key ........................................... 8-29
Lights.............................................................. 8-31
Headlights................................................. 8-33
Exterior and interior lights......................... 8-33
Wheels and tires ............................................ 8-37
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-37
Tire labeling .............................................. 8-41
Types of tires ............................................ 8-43
Tire chains ................................................ 8-44
Changing wheels and tires ........................ 8-45
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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
8-4 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5
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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
8-10 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTIONOil level should be checked regularly. Oper-
ating the engine with an insufficient amount
of oil can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER Change the engine oil and filter according
to the maintenance intervals shown in the
INFINITI Service and Maintenance Guide.
Vehicle set-up 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 the engine off and wait more
than 10 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a
suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
O Place the safety jack stands under
the vehicle jack-up points.
O A suitable adapter should be at-
tached to the jack stand saddle. 5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the
center point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that
hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION Make sure the correct lifting and support
points are used to avoid vehicle damage.
Engine oil and filter 1. Place a large drain pan under the
drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
q A
with a
wrench and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine
oil is hot. SDI1520B
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
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1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Fan
3. Alternator
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Air conditioner compressor
D : Tension checking points WARNING Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK
position. The engine could rotate unexpect-
edly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhe-
sion or looseness. If the belt is in poor
condition or loose, have it replaced or
adjusted by an INFINITI dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for
condition and tension in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in the
INFINITI Service and Maintenance
Guide.
WARNING Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged se-
curely.
CAUTION Be sure to use the correct socket to remove
the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can
damage the spark plugs.SDI1389
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-19
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CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
Pedal type From the released position, depress the
parking brake pedal slowly and firmly,
and check the notches between the initial
and final position of the pedal
q A
.Ifitis
out of the range, see an INFINITI dealer.
Range
q A
: 2 to 3 notches under a de-
pressing force of 44 lb (196
N) Lever type From the released position, pull the park-
ing brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range
q A
,
see an INFINITI dealer.
Range
q A
: 6 to 7 clicks under pulling force
of 44 lb (196 N)
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL With the engine running, check the dis-
tance
q A
between the upper surface of
the pedal and the metal floor. If it is out
of the range shown below, see an INFINITI
dealer.
Distance
q A
: Under depressing force of
110 lb (490 N) Automatic
Transmission model Manual
Transmission model
3.74 in (95 mm) or more 3.54 in (90 mm) or moreSDI1391F SDI1447B DI1020MO
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-23
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WARNINGNever connect a trailer brake system directly
to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips O Be certain your vehicle maintains a
level position when a loaded and/or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive the vehicle if it has an abnormal
nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
O Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
O Load the trailer so approximately 60%
of the trailer load is in the front half
and 40% is in the back half.
O Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure,
vehicle tire pressure, trailer light op-
eration, and trailer wheel lug nuts
every time you attach a trailer to the
vehicle.
O Be certain your rear view mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local regula- tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an under-
standing of the vehicle's behavior, you
should practice turning, stopping and
backing up in an area which is free from
traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
O Always secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
O Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
O Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
O Always drive your vehicle at a mod-
erate speed. Some states or provinces
have specific speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
O When backing up, hold the bottom of
the steering wheel with one hand.
Move your hand in the direction in
which you want the trailer to go. Make
small corrections and back up slowly.
If possible, have someone guide you
when you are backing up. O Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first apply the parking brake and block
the wheels, and then move the transmis-
sion selector lever into the P (Park) posi-
tion. If you move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position before applying the
parking brake and blocking the wheels,
transmission damage could occur.
O When going down a hill, shift into a
lower gear and use the engine braking
effect. When going up a long grade,
downshift the transmission to a lower
gear and reduce speed to reduce
chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do
not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when
driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
O If the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the
air conditioner. Coolant heat can be
additionally vented by opening the
windows, switching the fan control to
high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.
Technical and consumer information
9-21
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