8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.......................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ........................ 8-2
General maintenance ........................... 8-2
Where to go for service ......................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................. 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................ 8-6
VQ35HR engine ................................ 8-6
Vk50ve engine ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ............................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ....................... 8-10
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 fluid ...................................... 8-14
Brake fluid ................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ...................8-17Drive belts
....................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ..................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-18
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ...................................... 8-19
Replacing ..................................... 8-20
Rear window wiper blades ........................8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-21
Brake pad wear warning ....................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ....................... 8-23
Intelligent
Key battery replacement ................8-23
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .....................8-26
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-28
Tire pressure .................................. 8-28
Tire labeling .................................. 8-32
Types of tires ................................. 8-34
Tire chains ................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires..................... 8-36
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08/03/09—pattie
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air comes
out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating 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 vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or un-
der severe condition require frequent checks of
the battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is 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 spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 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 there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND DRIVING”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
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
evident, check for the cause and have it cor-
rected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check the
level when the fluid is cold, with the engine 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, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody:
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise 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
“CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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08/03/09—pattie
VQ35HR ENGINE
1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Window washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Air cleaner10. Drive belts
11. Coolant reservoir
SDI2262
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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08/03/09—pattie
(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type
of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the NISSAN/INFINITI Service
and Maintenance Guide for more details.
If the cooling system requires coolant fre-
quently, have it checked by an INFINITI retailer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by an INFINITI retailer. The service pro-
cedures can be found in the appropriate INFINITI
Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced heater
performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded, never
change the coolant when the engine is hot.
●
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine
is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high
pressure fluid escaping from the radiator.
●Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If
skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with
soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.
●Keep coolant out of reach of children and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
1.
If the oil level is below
2, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening. Do not overfill
3.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil mainte-
nance intervals or during the break-in period,
depending on the severity of operating condi-
tions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Operat-
ing the engine with an insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such damage is
not covered by warranty.
VQ35HR engine
SDI2045
VK50VE engine
SDI2265
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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03/16/10—tbrooks
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the engine oil
is hot.●Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
● Check your local regulations.
4. (Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the
engine oil filter change is needed.)
Loosen the oil filter2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur- face with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket re-
maining on the mounting surface of the engine.
Failure to do so could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil. 7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a
slight resistance is felt, then tighten ad-
ditionally more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and install the oil filler cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to pre-
vent oil spillage from the dipstick hole while
filling the engine with oil.
See “CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for drain and
refill capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain time.
Use these specifications for reference only. Always use the dipstick to determine the proper
amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into positionas the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the un- dercover in place. Be careful not to strip
the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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08/03/09—pattie
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with used
engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.
If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly
with soap or hand cleaner as soon as
possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of children. Contact an INFINITI retailer if replacement is
required.
CAUTION
●
Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF. Do
not mix with other fluids.
● Using automatic transmission fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN Matic S 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. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range (
1: HOT MAX.,2: HOT MIN.) at fluid
temperatures of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or
using the COLD range (
3: COLD MAX.,4:
COLD MIN.) at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F
(0 to 30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap and
fill through the opening.
CAUTION
● Do not overfill.
● Use Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
SDI1765A
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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C
Cabin air filter ................ .4-45
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................. .9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............4-103
Card holder .................. .2-49
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .2-50
Cargo cover .................. .2-51
Cargo light .................. .2-60
Cargo net ................... .2-50
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst . . . .5-2
Center multi-function control panel ......4-2
Child restraints ................ .1-20
Child restraints Booster seats ............... .1-35
Installation using LATCH .........1-25
Installation using the seat belts .....1-29
LATCH system ............... 1-22
Precautions on child restraints ......1-20
Top tether strap .............. 1-24
Child safety .................. .1-15
Child safety rear door lock ...........3-6
Chimes Audible reminders .............2-20
Seat belt warning light and chime ....2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..........8-22
Cleaning exterior and interior ......7-2 , 7-4
Climate control Automatic climate control .........4-40
Clock ..................... .2-45
Coat hooks .................. .2-49
Cockpit ..................... .2-2
Cold weather driving ............. .5-80Command (See Bluetooth
Hands-Free
Phone System) ............4-105 , 4-121
Compact Disc (CD) player
(See audio system) ............. .4-63
Compact spare tire ............. .8-38
Compass .................... .2-9
Console box ..................2-48
Continuous
Damping Control .........5-72
Controller, Center multi-function control
panel ...................... .4-4
Controls Control panel button (display) .......4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(See automatic climate control) .....4-40
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-10
Checking engine coolant level ......8-9
Corrosion protection ..............7-6
Cover, Cargo cover .............. .2-51
Cruise control ................. .5-26
Cruise control, Fixed speed cruise control
(on ICC system) ................ .5-45
Cruise indicator ............... .2-24
Cup holders .................. .2-46
Current fuel consumption ...........2-27
D
Daytime running light system ........2-38
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............2-35
Dimensions .................. .9-10
Display cleaning ................ .4-5Display controls (See center multi-function
control panel)
................. .4-2
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system . . . .5-49
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
switch indicator ............... .2-25
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ................. .2-14
Distance to empty .............. .2-27
Door/lift gate open warning .........2-24
Dot matrix liquid crystal display .......2-21
Drive belts ................... .8-17
Drive positioner ............... .3-25
Driving All-wheel drive (AWD) ...........5-69
Cold weather driving ...........5-80
Driving with automatic transmission . . . 5-13
On-pavement and off-road driving ....5-5
Precautions when starting and driving . . 5-2
Safety precautions .............5-7
DS (Drive Sport) mode .............5-15
E
Economy, Fuel ................ .5-68
Elapsed time ................. .2-27
Elapsed
time and trip odometer .......2-27
Emission control information label ......9-12
Emission control system warranty ......9-29
Engine Before starting the engine .........5-12
Break-in schedule ............. 5-68
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................9-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-10
Changing engine oil and filter . . . . . . 8-11
10-2
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Checking engine coolant level......8-9
Checking engine oil level .........8-10
Engine block heater ............5-81
Engine compartment check locations . . . 8-6
Engine cooling system ...........8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..............9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator .....2-25
Engine oil viscosity .............9-6
Engine serial number ...........9-12
Engine specifications ............9-8
Engine start operation indicator .....2-23
If your vehicle overheats .........6-10
Starting the engine ............5-12
Engine coolant temperature gauge ......2-7
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive
positioner ................... .3-25
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ..........9-31
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ........5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . .9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .........8-19
Changing engine oil and filter ......8-11
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) .....2-40
Flat tire ..................... .6-2
Flat towing .................. .9-27
Floor mat cleaning ............... .7-5
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) . . . .8-13
Brake fluid ................. 8-14Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants
..................9-2
Engine coolant ...............8-9
Engine oil .................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ............8-13
Window washer fluid ...........8-14
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................... .4-61
Fog light switch ............... .2-40
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system . . .5-61
Front passenger air bag and status light . .1-47
Front power seat adjustment ..........1-2
Front seat, Front seat adjustment .......1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .................. .9-2
Fuel
economy ............... 5-68
Fuel economy information (display) ....4-9
Fuel octane rating .............9-4
Fuel recommendation ...........9-4
Fuel-filler cap ................ 3-18
Fuel-filler door ............... 3-18
Gauge ....................2-8
Fuses ..................... .8-22
Fusible links ................. .8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver .................. .2-60
Gascap .................... .3-18
Gauge ...................... .2-5
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . . . .2-7
Fuel gauge ..................2-8 Odometer
..................2-6
Speedometer ................2-6
Tachometer .................2-7
Trip computer ............... 2-27
General maintenance ..............8-2
Glove box ................... .2-48
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(with navigation system) ...........4-104
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth
(without navigation system) .........4-115
Hazard warning flasher switch . . . . . . . .2-40
Head restraints ................. .1-6
Headlights Aiming control (See adaptive front
lighting system (AFS)) ...........2-38
Bulb replacement ............. 8-26
Headlight switch .............. 2-36
Xenon headlights ............. 2-35
Headphones (See INFINITI mobile
entertainment system) ........4-94 , 4-102
Heater Automatic climate control .........4-40
Engine block heater ............5-81
HomeLink Universal Transceiver . . . . . .2-60
Hood release ................. .3-16
Hook Coat
hooks................ .2-49
Luggage hook ............... 2-50
Horn ...................... .2-41
10-3
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10/19/09—tbrooks