O Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D (automatic
transmission models) or 1st and R
(manual transmission models).
O Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a
few tries, contact a professional
towing service to remove the vehicle.
6-16 In case of emergency
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
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
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
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
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
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
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
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.
8-6 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
WARNINGO Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
O Try to avoid direct skin contact with used
oil. If skin contact is made, wash thor-
oughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
O Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children. When checking or replacement is re-
quired, we recommend an INFINITI dealer
for servicing.
CAUTION O Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
O 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 trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
INFINITI new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission
fluid is also described on caution labels
located in the engine compartment. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range (
q 1
: HOT MAX.,
q 2
: HOT
MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176ÉF
(50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD range (
q 3
:
COLD MAX.,
q 4
: COLD MIN.) at fluid tem-
peratures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC). SDI1765A
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
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
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X
mends the use of SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires If snow tires are needed, it is necessary
to select tires equivalent in size and load
rating to the original equipment tires. If
you do not, it can adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower
speed ratings than factory equipped tires
and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, INFINITI recommends the use
of snow or all season tires on all four
wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws be-
fore installing studded tires. Skid and
traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires. All-wheel drive (AWD) models
CAUTION O Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial), and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may
damage the transmission, transfer case
and differential gears.
O ONLY use spare tires specified for the
AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced
with tires of the same size, brand, con-
struction and tread pattern. The tire pres-
sure and wheel alignment should also be
checked and corrected as necessary. Con-
tact an INFINITI dealer.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved
roads which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
TIRE CHAINS Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When install-
ing tire chains, make sure they are the
proper size for the tires on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer's suggestions. Use only SAE
class ªSº chains. Class ªSº chains are
used on vehicles with restricted tire to ve-
hicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class ªSº chains are designed to meet
the minimum clearances between the tire
and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommo-
date the use of a winter traction device
(tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the fac-
tory equipped tires. Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain ten-
sioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid
fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
8-44 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
w 06.1.4/V35-D/V5.0
X